How to Offer Support to Families Dealing with Cancer
Families are in the
trenches fighting cancer every day. If cancer hasn’t crossed your path, whether
directly or through a loved one, consider yourself lucky. It’s easy to feel helpless
when friends and people close to you are struggling. Since September is
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re going to give you some simple things
you can do to help those who are facing the dreaded “C” word.
Do. Don’t ask. It’s easy to say, “let me know if you need anything.” What the family needs is someone to say, “hey, I’m making you dinner.” Or “I’m babysitting - just tell me what day (or night).” Don’t give them the burden of asking. Just offer it.
Gift cards go a long way. Treatments can sometimes take a patient and family far from home. Do a little research and purchase gift cards for restaurants, hotel chains and gas stations near the hospital they are using. A gift subscription to Amazon Prime or Netflix may be helpful to someone who is bedridden. Some downtime and low key entertainment might b…
Do. Don’t ask. It’s easy to say, “let me know if you need anything.” What the family needs is someone to say, “hey, I’m making you dinner.” Or “I’m babysitting - just tell me what day (or night).” Don’t give them the burden of asking. Just offer it.
Gift cards go a long way. Treatments can sometimes take a patient and family far from home. Do a little research and purchase gift cards for restaurants, hotel chains and gas stations near the hospital they are using. A gift subscription to Amazon Prime or Netflix may be helpful to someone who is bedridden. Some downtime and low key entertainment might b…