This project addresses a critical need in palliative care by developing a product that supports children in coping with the loss of a parent. Specifically targeting families with young children, it seeks to provide emotional support during the challenging times of a parent's serious illness and eventual passing, fostering family bonding and memory-making through engaging activities. The primary objective is to help parents and children support each other by creating and sharing personal stories. Through play and storytelling, the project aims to help families build a re-tellable, constant story that can serve as a source of comfort and continuity throughout the grieving process.

The research phase uncovered several critical insights. First, parents often struggle to talk to their children about the illness due to uncertainty about what to say and how to start the conversation. Open communication in age-appropriate chunks is essential for helping children process their feelings. Second, children and parents may feel lonely and isolated during this period. Maintaining family bonds and a sense of support is crucial. Third, children express complex emotions through play rather than words. Providing a safe space for this expression is vital for their coping process. Fourth, children need honesty about the situation to start making sense of their experiences. Encouraging questions and honest answers helps them find meaning. Finally, close physical presence and comfort are necessary for children to feel secure and supported.

The final product, "Treasured Moments," is designed to help families create and preserve memories together. It not only provides tangible records of memories but also creates a lasting legacy that can help children and their families cope with loss through shared storytelling and play. It aims to use the power of personal connection in the face of grief, offering a flexible approach to support families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

Initial tests demonstrated that the product effectively facilitates family bonding and memory-making. The family was able to engage with the product independently, filling the memory tiles with personal items and stories that held significance for them.
The positive feedback and interest from KIEZO in taking the product forward indicate its potential impact and relevance in the field of palliative care.