Sean Lybrand: Harnessing the Power of Play – A Different Approach to Paediatric Cancer Support
Sean Lybrand, Executive Director, Access to Healthcare at Amgen, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Harnessing the Power of Play: A Different Approach to Paediatric Cancer Support
You have likely heard the adage ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ Our team at Amgen takes this saying to heart, where we believe that the power of ‘play’ can unlock creativity, bold thinking, and joy, all in the pursuit of wellbeing.
This pursuit comes to life through Amgen’s five-year collaboration with World Child Cancer (WCC). Together, we’re working to improve childhood cancer outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on children affected by B-cell lymphomas, and as a team, we’re proud to be on-the-ground with them in countries to see the impact of the work we are supporting.
Play to unlock healing:
Play isn’t just fun and games. For children facing serious illness, it can be a lifeline – a way to make sense of what’s happening and build emotional endurance. By equipping both healthcare professionals and organizations with important play-based therapeutic tools, we can help create better holistic outcomes for children.
‘Play therapy is a powerful tool in reducing anxiety, pain, and distress for children with cancer, enhancing their well-being during treatment.’ – Dr. Roberta Ortiz, World Health Organization, Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, Technical Lead, Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Disability and Rehabilitation.
Play to treat:
One of the ways we’re bringing this to life is through the launch of a new Master of Science (MSc) in Healthcare Play Therapy program – the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. This program will train healthcare professionals to support children not only through medical treatment, but also through integrated psychosocial care. By embedding play therapy into pediatric cancer care, we can better treat the whole child – not just the disease.
‘Every child deserves to play. Whether it’s through a joyful day out or a quiet moment during cancer treatment, play has the power to transform lives.’ – Luke Thomas, CEO of World Child Cancer.
Play to unlock creativity:
At Amgen, we also believe play fuels innovation. It’s how bold ideas take shape, and how breakthroughs happen. It’s more than a mindset – it’s a health outcome multiplier.
That mindset is personified through the International Day of Play, a World Health Organization-led day of awareness, celebrated on June 11. In honor of the occasion and ahead of the MSc program launch, Amgen and WCC have curated a collection of children’s drawings created during play therapy sessions. This artwork will be proudly displayed at the Upside Down House UK in Bristol as a joyful reminder of the healing power of play.
We’re committed to creating a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, can heal, grow, and thrive. In honor of International Day of Play, I encourage you to explore a virtual gallery of the children’s artwork on display.
How will you celebrate this year’s International Day of Play?”
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