Inspired by Amanda
I just read a post at another site about a young woman — 23 years old Amanda — whose mother was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer last year. It has me thinking about support, how I was supported during my treatment, how a local mother is going to be supported during hers … and how Amanda’s family was supported during her mother’s treatment.
See … people did wonderful things for Amanda’s family.
“People sent their cards, their love, and their well-wishes in droves. People we didn’t even know came to us with their own stories of cancer, some positive and some not so positive. People sent flowers and gifts: A girl I worked with, who had never even met my mom, gave her a beautiful crystal bracelet made especially for breast cancer awareness. My boss at the time gave me all the time off in the world so that I could be at home for surgeries and treatments.”
When you are dealing with cancer, little things really do make a difference. So if someone you know is facing a diagnosis, heed my advice. You can do your part to help.
- Write a handwritten card.
- Send a gift (or gifts for the children/spouse in the house).
- Make meals … not just dinner, either; deliver bagels or muffins, deli meats or breads.
- Bring over treats and snacks (especially good for those kids again).
But you can do other things to help, too. Here are a few of my favorites from my experience:
- Bring them a Soduko book and teach them how to do it. To this day I think of the woman who did that for me whenever I pick up one of these puzzles to do.
- Compile a CD of inspirational, celebratory or empowering songs. I love the CD that a friend of mine made just for me during that time.
- Help children express their love and support. One mom helped my son make me a gift (a beaded necklace) when he was at her house for a playdate with her son.
There’s so much you can do to help someone in need. Be creative, be thoughtful … and be inspired!
Housekeeping details: There’s still time to enter the Belkin iPod nano case giveaway.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:01 am
These are great ideas Karen and I’m adding some to the list I have started compiling. I am now a chemo angel and am loving putting together my cards and goodie bags for the woman I am “angeling”.
I was just talking about support on my blog yesterday..the number of women who blog who are making donations for the cause this month. It’s incredible to see such support. But we are women…not only can you hear us roar about cancer…you see us taking action. It’s so empowering.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for the Ping, Karen! I’m so glad when I discuss cancer openly and I get positive feedback. There is really nothing better than knowing that cancer is no longer a hush hush secret, and that we have support no matter where we go… even on internet blogs!
October 24th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Support … that’s what it’s all about. Sometimes I really believe we are all here on this earth just to learn how to support one another.