| Do you know someone with cancer? A cancer | | | | others know about the ill person's indisposition so |
| diagnosis can be crippling in itself, inciting fear and | | | | they can possibly help out, too. |
| anxiety over an unknown or perhaps dreaded | | | | 4. Be willing to listen. Sometimes those facing a |
| future. Victims worry about their health, their | | | | serious problem like cancer, especially when a |
| looks, and their families when a doctor | | | | terminal diagnosis has been given, may simply |
| pronounces this terrible sentence. If a friend or | | | | want to reminisce about the past, discuss future |
| family member is struggling with one of the many | | | | plans, or share difficult emotions. Just being |
| forms of cancer, your support and | | | | available to listen in person, by telephone, or via |
| encouragement are likely to be most welcome. | | | | the Internet can provide a beautiful source of |
| But how do you help someone who has cancer? | | | | support. Don't push or pry, however. Wait until |
| There are several things you can do to make | | | | the person is ready to talk. |
| your friend or loved one feel more at ease. | | | | 5. If the situation warrants, consider donating |
| 1. Treat the person the same as always. Don't | | | | financial support. A single mother with two |
| approach her gingerly, as though she might break | | | | fatherless children may need to get connected to |
| or fade away. Nor should you overdo it, however, | | | | social service agencies. Or she may have some |
| by talking too much or roughhousing with children | | | | general support already, but lack a little extra |
| who may be physically fragile. Just treat the | | | | money for holidays or birthdays. You may want |
| person the same as you would if he had not been | | | | to send a card with a $20 check that could help |
| diagnosed with this condition. Of course, if the | | | | pay for special occasions or real needs, needs, like |
| diagnosis is grim, you need adapt your attitude | | | | medication, above and beyond any insurance |
| accordingly and not gloss over serious implications. | | | | coverage. |
| 2. Offer practical assistance. As you have time, | | | | 6. Provide transportation. If the person grows |
| run errands or bring in a home-cooked meal. | | | | weak or is unable to drive and family members |
| Grocery shopping, letter mailing, and kid drop-offs | | | | work at jobs that keep them from driving the |
| at sporting events can save the sick person's | | | | sufferer to appointments, ask if you can take the |
| time and energy. Depending on how well you are | | | | person when you are available. Getting around is |
| acquainted with the victim, you might want to | | | | one of the greatest challenges facing people who |
| come over a few hours each week to clean | | | | become immobile with serious illnesses. |
| house, baby-sit, or cook meals for freezing. | | | | Whatever your circumstances, chances are you |
| 3. Be an encouragement. Send a funny get-well | | | | can offer some kind of help to a person who is |
| card or an inspiring note. Drop off a humorous | | | | struggling with cancer. It will certainly be |
| video or suggest praying together before you | | | | appreciated! |
| leave. Using discretion, you might want to let | | | | |