An Interview with Eleanor Szakacs from Magic Castle!

Recently, I interviewed Eleanor Szakacs from Magic Castle Daycare to learn more about the work she's doing with families and children at Princess Margaret Hospital and to give you an inside look at the incredible services provided there.  Here's the transcript of the interview.

Brian: Magic Castle evolved from the simple idea that patients undergoing treatment shouldn't have to worry about childcare arrangements. When was Magic Castle founded and what were/are its founding goals?

Eleanor:  The Magic Castle opened in 1996 after two years of fundraising by a patient, Sharon Solomon. Sharon had been undergoing treatment and because of delays could not pick up her daughter at the bus stop.  The idea behind the Magic Castle would be to provide free childcare for patients' children, to offer a safe, nurturing environment and interesting and appropriate activities. The playroom was run by volunteers until 2001, when the Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care department took over the room. At this time it was understood that cancer involved the whole family and impacted on the children as well as the adults. So the Magic Castle would offer children their own space while parents and family members addressed their health issues.

Brian:  Magic Castle operates with the support of Mothercraft and the Canadian Cancer Society and in partnership with the Department of Psychosocial Oncology & Palliative Care at PMH. Can you tell us a bit more about how this collaboration came to be?

Eleanor: In 2003 The Hospital approached Mothercraft when they were looking for a service provider to manage and staff the Magic Castle. They liked Mothercraft’s philosophy that promotes diversity and inclusion for all children, families and staff. All of Mothercraft programs and environments, including the Magic Castle, reflect the needs of children and families.

Mothercraft provides day to day supervision of the Magic Castle and can direct families to other community resources such as Child Care in Centres for Early Development, Parent Infant Programs and Early Years Centres.

I have been working here since November 2003. It is the BEST JOB !!!

Brian: Magic Castle is the world's first childcare centre based in a cancer-fighting hospital. Has this unique service model been picked up by others that you know of?

Eleanor: I do not know of any other hospital offering a similar program. At one time the Cancer Centre in Ottawa was interested in the Magic Castle and came here to see our room. I believe they had a donor who was interested in funding a room like the Magic Castle. I have not heard if they succeeded.

Brian: You provide daycare to children aged 0-12 years while their families are undergoing treatment at PMH. How many children come through your doors annually? What kinds of diverse needs do you meet through your work at Magic Castle?

Eleanor: The last several years we have had 1300 to 1350 visits. Some children return several times, especially when their parents have Radiation treatments, Chemotherapy and follow-up appointments.

Sometimes families just need someone to take care of their baby while they are at appointments. Sometimes the children need a safe and quiet place. Waiting rooms are hectic and not geared toward children. The families have consultations with doctors to address treatment plans and need to focus on themselves without worrying about what to do with their children. Families and friends are always helpful but they also have jobs and responsibilities of their own. So the Magic Castle becomes a valuable resource for the families and the children.

I have been asked by a few families to talk to the children about the treatments the patients are facing. As I said earlier I always find out what families are saying about the cancer or about the possibility of a death before I speak with the children. This is always difficult but the truth, according to the age and stage of the child's development, is always the most important thing.

Brian: What are some of the most pressing challenges facing the Magic Castle? How do you foresee sponsors' donations being put to work?

Eleanor: Donations to the Magic Castle would help us add to our small library of cancer and illness related books we lend out to families. We also need to replace things like markers, crayons, stickers, craft items and puzzles and games that have seen better days. During the summer we have lots of school age children and crafts are very popular. When children come every day for possibly 4 to 5 weeks they like to do a variety of crafts so we tend to go through a good supply of craft items. Sometimes we get donated toys and books that we place in our "Take Away Bin". Children, especially the young ones, love to have something special to take home from the Magic castle.

Donations would help when our supply of take aways run out.

Brian: Is there anything you'd like to say to the folks who have made donations to Magic Castle in connection with my run?

Eleanor: To the people who have made donations in connection to your run, I would say a heartfelt THANK YOU, from me and from the children especially. Please know that your donations make a difference to a family, a child and to the Magic Castle. They keep us open, keep us operating and keep us available as a wonderful resource for children and families.