Unfortunately, I’ve had a few instances where a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer, in particular breast cancer. I know that, like many of you, when you hear this horrible news, you want to do something to help and brighten their day. However, it can be challenging to determine what exactly that looks like. It also depends on the person you are trying to support. Are they a busy career executive who is missing work and or still trying to work while sick? Are they a parent with a family with young kids that depend on them for meals/rides to school, etc.? Or, do they have fur babies that need help and care for while they are recovering?
There are so many different scenarios. But the most important thing is to remember that when you try to give a gift, try to provide them with something that helps at the same time.
Scroll down for five ideas:
Activities.
This will help keep your friend occupied and busy, so they are not bored while in bed (post-surgery or during treatment). It can help them keep from overthinking and worrying. Most importantly, it will offer some type of entertainment during their road to recovery. Some ideas include games, magazines (the old-fashioned paper kind instead of our phones/tablets), books, stationary/notecards, puzzles, sudoku, or even a small portable speaker to stream music.
Comfort.
Try to think of something that will bring comfort and enjoyment to your loved one. The best part about this gift is that whenever the recipient uses the item, they will always think of you and your kindness and that in and of itself will provide them ease. Some suggestions could be a nice, plush blanket, soft socks/slippers, a long burning candle in a calming scent, or even a journal to help keep thoughts together during this difficult time.
Support.
This is something that anyone who is recently diagnosed with may deny. But, at the end of the day, they will appreciate you thinking of them to help make life a little easier with everything else that’s going on. You can offer a meal delivery service or start a meal train where people take turns bringing meals to the patient and their families. I know that I’ve ordered Dinner Done in Tampa https://www.dinnerdone.com on a few occasions (they deliver frozen meals with easy heating instructions and always seem to be enjoyed!). Hiring a cleaning or landscape service to help with housework, ordering groceries, and delivering them is also super helpful. You could even go as far as to start a Go Fund Me page where you can request donations and gift cards.
Experiences.
There are so many ideas for this. Anything that your friend may enjoy. If your dear friend has little ones and wants to have an evening out with her partner and no kids, you can offer to babysit. If they love the beach, put together a picnic and find a relaxing place on the beach to relax and enjoy some vitamin sea.
Does your friend love food? Offer to take her out to a new restaurant or one of her favorites. You could also order in and enjoy an evening with good food and conversation. In my opinion, experiences are always appreciated because they come with a lasting memory for our loved ones to cherish. I had a dear friend who was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. We rented a limo for an unrelated work celebration. There were going to be a few hours where the vehicle wasn’t going to be used. So, I reached out to her husband to see if he wanted to take her for a ride in the limo to enjoy the Christmas lights down Tampa’s beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. They took me up on the offer and had a magical evening that was out of the ordinary. It was a small gesture, but hearing how much my friend enjoyed it, filled my heart with happiness.
Compassion.
This one is free and SO easy to give!
Send a handwritten note to let them know you are thinking of them. If you are busy and have a lot going on, just send a text to remind them you are there, thinking of them, and sending love and support virtually. Just knowing you are in their corner will help lift their spirits and make a difference.
I hope that you never have a need to use any of these recommendations. But, if you do, I hope they will be helpful. If you don’t use these specific ideas, I hope it helps you think of something unique that you can do for a loved one during a fragile and challenging time.
What have you done to show care and compassion for a loved one? Anything different than above? Please share with us by commenting below, share on our social media pages or contact us. We would love to hear!
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