Michael Bublé and his wife Luisana Lopilato recently revealed devastating news: their eldest son Noah was diagnosed with cancer.
“We are devastated about the recent cancer diagnosis of our oldest son Noah who is currently undergoing treatment in the US,” the couple wrote in a statement on Facebook. “We have always been very vocal about the importance of family and the love we have for our children.
“Luisana and I have put our careers on hold in order to devote all our time and attention to helping Noah get well. At this difficult time, we ask only for your prayers and respect for our privacy. We have a long journey in front of us and hope that with the support of family, friends and fans around the world, we will win this battle, God willing.”
"We have a long journey in front of us"
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Bublé and Lopilato didn’t disclose what kind of cancer 3-year-old Noah was diagnosed with. In a statement to UK Express, Bublé's sister-in-law silenced rumors that it’s leukemia or an illness affecting his central nervous system.
"The only thing I ask if that you don't speculate because not everyone has children and can understand what this means,” said Daniela Lopilato. "Michael and my sister will publish more statements and I can't say any more but it's not leukemia or the central nervous system a people are saying. That's all I can say.”
Read about how Bublé and Lopilato are dealing with their son's illness.
Though Bublé and his model wife are grief-stricken, they remain hopeful, according to insiders.
“They are really sad but hopeful,” a source told Us Weekly. “They immediately got him very good care and they are hoping and praying for the best. They are getting him the best doctors around. It’s really heartbreaking. This was a real shock, but they are doing everything they can.”
“They’re staying positive and Noah is a fighter”
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As for Noah, the toddler is thankfully putting up a fight.
“They’re staying positive and Noah is a fighter,” another source said, adding that Bublé and Lopilato have been “inundated with kind wishes today, and that’s really helping.”
Bublé and Lopilato got married in 2011. Apart from 3-year-old Noah, they have another 9-month-old son, Elias.
On the next page: ways parents can cope with a child’s cancer diagnosis.
Many parents can’t imagine having to deal with the pain of a cancer diagnosis in the family, but when it happens, most step up to the challenge and demonstrate great strength. However, a parent’s natural instincts to care and protect their children doesn’t make dealing with a serious illness less difficult. Here are some ways parents can cope better with their child’s cancer, from the American Cancer Society:
Consult your cancer team
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team of experts to beat cancer. This team includes social workers, nurses, doctors, and other experts. Build a relationship with your team and develop your trust. These people can help you understand what you are going through, and can help you learn how to deal with your new normal. Though you may have to ask for it, help is always available for you and your family.
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Take care of your own needs
If you neglect to take care of yourself by not eating, sleeping, exercising, or simply taking a break, it will make it harder for you to take care of your child. Going about your own routine also helps reassure your child and sets a good example, teaching them that self-care is still important even when dealing with a serious illness.
Get support
Whether it’s from your family, neighbors, or families and friends who have dealt with similar situations, getting help from others can help you cope. Instead of bottling up your negative emotions, share them and get the help you need to manage your feelings. Getting a solid support system will also help you balance the needs of your child and the needs of the rest of your family.
READ: 15 Cancer signs in children that you might be ignoring
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