| It can be hard to know how to help a friend battling | | | | attractive scarves or hats if hair loss is a concern, |
| cancer. She needs support, practical help, and friends | | | | inspirational books, anti-nausea balms and travel |
| willing to be there when she needs a shoulder to lean | | | | sickness candies (ginger flavored), microbead pillows or |
| on. But what does this really mean? Well wishing | | | | neck pillows to help bring comfort during long infusion |
| friends and family often aren't sure what tangible | | | | sessions.o Go grocery shopping, re-stocking the basics |
| support they should give. Here's a list of ideas to help | | | | on a regular basis. Ask about any special foods or |
| give family and friends a place to start. | | | | drinks that would be helpful.o Offer to clean house |
| You may want to create a calendar for organizing a | | | | once or twice a month.o Do dishes every week on a |
| community of support. If there are a number of people | | | | schedule.o Babysit or help shuttle children to before |
| who want to pitch in, email out a list of tasks that need | | | | and after-school activities.o Pet sit, or take pets out for |
| to be accomplished and ask friends to sign up.o Bring | | | | regular walks.o Pray with your friend.o Take out the |
| meals or snacks to your friend. Be sure to ask about | | | | garbage.o Pick up and deliver mail to the post office.o |
| any special dietary requirements or changes due to | | | | Do yard work once or twice a month.o Offer to run |
| cancer treatment protocols.o Offer transportation to | | | | errands for a caregiver.o Organize a fundraiser to help |
| and from medical appointments. If visits are long, such | | | | cover medical or living expenses. Check with your local |
| as for chemotherapy, be a "chemo buddy" and sit with | | | | bank for assistance and regulations.o Help her |
| your friend. Bring along music, games and books to | | | | organize and pay bills on a schedule.o Water |
| help lighten the mood. Or, just be there to talk or hold a | | | | houseplants.o Rent interesting books on tape or |
| hand. Observe her mood and be respectful of how | | | | movies. Offer to watch or listen with him.o Help set up |
| she is feeling that day.o If you are not able to visit, | | | | an email list or care page for keeping family and |
| send practical comfort items that will help support the | | | | friends updated.o Make your visits fairly short and |
| body's fight: unscented organic lip balm, natural | | | | routine. Just sit with your friend if he is not up to talking. |
| unscented body lotion, warm socks, a soft blanket, | | | | |