Most people struggle with the best response to hearing the news that someone they care about has cancer. It can be awkward for both the survivor and the person receiving the news.
With statistics that say as many as one in every two men and one in every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime*, it means that many of us, unfortunately, may someday need these tips and resources.
1. Be authentic. Check out the American Cancer Society link, When Someone You Know Has Cancer: Ways to Respond, for tips on how to talk to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer about their illness.
2. Offer assistance. Often cancer survivors and caregivers are so overwhelmed either by a diagnosis that is new or the effects of coping with longer term management of the illness that they don’t know how to make use of the offers for assistance.
Check out the link to Lotsa Helping Hands, a great website for an easy way to identify ways to help and coordinate efforts. Setting up a site on Caring Bridge is another great way to contribute. This free service allows confidential posting of updates and check ins after check ups so caregivers and survivors can avoid multiple calls to keep everyone in the loop.
3. Make a difference. The Final Tally, is an article I wrote about the benefits of volunteering. There are events year round in communities across North America where you can participate in honor of your loved one to make a difference. Find one that fits with your core values and choose how you can contribute ~ donating time, money or other resources.
Being grateful for what we have is wonderful.
To make a difference is to live in grace.
And don’t forget, passing along my website is another way to show you care. Over 200 articles with helpful resources for survivors, caregivers or anyone facing other major life transitions.
