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20 MORE Things You Can Do When Someone You Love Who Has Cancer

My sweet friend, Kathleen Brooks, leads a small group of people who are fighting cancer—some with stage 4. I was moved as she asked me to pray that those she’s leading have increasing hope and deepening faith and trust in Him—that they would experience God’s wonder.

Her request made me think, “How can we best support those who have been diagnosed with cancer?” [Tweet this]

I asked Kathleen and her small group to put together a list of ideas.

After we posted 15 Things You Can Do When Someone You Love Has Cancer, the response was breathtaking. Additional suggestions flooded in. (Read the first post, here).

We compiled the comments, emails, and posts you offered. Here are 20 MORE things you can do when someone you love has cancer: [Tweet this]

1. Help them with their laundry. Pick it up, take it home with you, and drop it back off.

2. Talk about things other than the sickness and treatments. Talk to them about everyday life, their children, spouses, friends, the local news and so on. Give their mind a break.

3. Take your friend on an outing to the park, coffee shop, or lunch. Give them a change of pace and scenery.

4. Offer to clean their house.

5. Don’t ask if they need something done. If you see it, humbly do it for them.

6. Help the caregiver by filling in for a few hours and giving them a break.

7. Let them talk and be honest with their feelings. Don’t force them to talk about their situation, but open up your listening ears for when they are ready.

8. Show your support by offering words of encouragement both verbally and in writing.

9. Pay a bill for them without them knowing it.

10. Go sit at the hospital while they are undergoing treatment or surgery.

11. Give gas gift cards. Trips to the hospital drain the tank fast.

12. Volunteer to be the one to send out the updates to friends and families. Try to take one more thing off their plate.

13. Offer to run errands for them. Go to the grocery store, or run to the post office or bank.

14.  Don’t offer unsolicited advice about doctors, treatment, or clinics. 

15. Give hugs and place a hand on their shoulder. It helps them know you care and are there for them.

16. Don’t tell them they look sick, pale, or like they’ve lost weight. They know how they look, and they are most likely very self-conscious about it.

17. Be receptive to when they need space. Sometimes they need some alone time.

18. Read aloud to them. Whether it is the newspaper, a book, or magazine. It provides company and gives their mind a break.

19. Offer a smile. Sometimes no words are needed.

20. Provide a shoulder for them to cry on, and if you feel inclined, cry with them.

Weigh in: What would you add to this list?


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