4 Things to do RIGHT NOW for A Family Member Diagnosed with Cancer
2022 was a tough year for our family. My husband, at 36 years old, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After a whirlwind of weeks of waiting, testing, and attempting to get a game plan, we started chemo and scans. Through this time, here are things that our community did for us that were extremely helpful.
- Set up a meal train. This is a HUGE help… even if it is just to stop having to think “What are we eating today?” Food just magically shows up on your doorstep and you can feed yourself and your family. Post on Facebook and add the option for gift cards, this gives an option for far-away family members and friends to send you all meals, too!
- Write cards/color pictures. This was an unexpected fun thing that helped us. Church members and friends decorated cards and mailed them periodically. This brightened my and my husband’s mood as well as reminded us that we had a community of people cheering us on.
- Send a care package. This can simply be a door drop-off with the patient’s favorite candy or maybe some coloring books, crossword puzzles, or other easy games. A group of our friends got my husband a GameStop gift card to get a new video game. In between chemo treatments, there is A LOT of time sitting. You will want something to occupy your mind that is simple to do physically.
- Drop off Paper Goods. People bring meals, snacks and quick grab & go meals which are SO HELPFUL but we also would go through so many plates and sometimes dishes are not a top priority. Drop off a box filled with paper plates, plasticware, plastic cups, and paper towels. This will take one thing off the family for a little bit so they won’t have to worry about washing dishes.
There are plenty of ways to show your love for a loved one from a distance or nearby. We were so lucky to have people all over the world sending us love and caring for us during one of the hardest times of our lives. Now, I hope I can help other family members and friends help their people when times are hard. Words are hard but just show up & share a little love. These little actions went a REALLY long way as we all healed.
