Written by: Amanda Phillips
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you'll likely see a slew of pink products on the shelves, touting various brands that give a portion of their sales to benefit breast cancer research and awareness. While these campaigns raise critical funding for research, the truth is many patients may not see the direct impact of these donations in their day-to-day lives. Often, people want to help their loved ones who are fighting cancer but don't always know how.
Instead of merely buying things that come in pink packages, think about how you can show up for someone with cancer in direct and meaningful ways. From offering to drive them to and from various appointments, to helping out around the house, to gifting items that bring comfort, here are ten thoughtful ways to support someone in their cancer journey.
One of the more unexpected costs for those suffering from cancer is hospital parking fees. These add up quickly when treatments need to be conducted on a regular basis. You may be able to help alleviate some of the financial burdens they are working to cope with by covering their costs for hospital parking. You can purchase parking vouchers in advance or get them a pre-paid parking pass for the different medical facilities they will be frequenting.
Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation, may leave a number of people fatigued and incapable of driving. Giving them a ride to and from the treatment venues is one sure way of directly helping out. Besides, this being one practical chore off their list, the companionship will be appreciated during this challenging time.
After a long day of treatment, often the last thing a cancer patient may want to do is cook. Cooking meals or setting up a meal train with other friends and family can go a long way in providing nourishment and comfort to your loved one in need. Just make sure to ask about any dietary restrictions, because sometimes treatments can affect what a patient can tolerate. You could use an extra-large tote, such as the Feel Good Tote, to deliver meals, snacks, or even comfort items to your loved one—it's roomy enough to hold it all.
It is very challenging to balance family responsibilities while undergoing treatment. The taking in of their pets, picking up kids from school, or after-school activities may be a lifesaver for a cancer patient. You can even bring in a weekly roster to provide regular support so that the cancer patient need not worry about loved ones or pets either.
Some treatments for cancer are bound to be uncomfortable, tiring, and thus comforting items at home or during the treatment sessions may be just what a person needs. A thoughtful gift, like the Rest Day Socks, will bring in warmth and softness on those really long and exhausting days. Alternatively, package a little care package with items cozy enough like blankets, pillows, and slippers to make them comfortable during their recovery.
From grocery shopping to picking up prescriptions, it all gets so exhausting for someone in cancer treatment. You could offer to run all those errands so they can save their energy for health. You can make a routine in a week to run errands for your loved one or simply ask what they need and take that off their to-do list.
When energy levels are low, housework can be an overwhelming chore. Helping with laundry, cleaning, or gardening alleviates stress, freeing up time to maintain a comfortable and orderly living space. You could even hire in a cleaning service if that's beyond you. This will give them a break from managing these tasks.
Sometimes, the best way to support your loved one through cancer is just being present. Offer emotional support by sitting with them during treatment, talking them through their feelings, or sometimes just being present in a silencing presence when they don't feel like talking. Here are some gifts that might bring emotional relief for this difficult time, such as the Feel Good Tote.
Medical bills, insurance claims, and appointment schedules can quickly build up, and keeping track of this paper trail may turn into a burdensome nightmare. Offer to keep paperwork in order, schedule appointments, or even make phone calls on their behalf to reduce stress and ensure important details go unnoticed.
Cancer treatment is quite expensive, and for most patients, even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses are substantial. Set up a fundraiser, using resources such as GoFundMe, to help in times of need with financial burdens. You can also raise funds to accommodate very particular needs such as medications, transportation, or home care services.
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is fairly easy to get swept up in the belief that purchasing products colored pink is the best way to support the cause, though doing so much better for those fighting cancer does exist. Be it paying for parking, buying meals, or sending care packages with items like Rest Day Socks or an extra-special Feel Good Tote, the support will be long-lasting in the life of your loved one. Small gestures like these remind them they are not alone in the fight and provide real assistance in both practical and emotional ways.
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