If there is one word that if feared the most around the world its “cancer.” Personally, I live in fear of ever hearing those words.
Cancer has touched the lives of many people that I know – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances. It seems like almost everyone knows someone who is dealing with cancer.
I have also known people who have had cancer. Some survivors, and some who have succumb to the horrible disease.
My grandfather had his left breast removed back in the early 80’s because he had breast cancer. Believe it or not, men can get breast cancer too. It’s not as common but it can happen. That is something men might want to take into consideration and check themselves out on a regular basis for lumps or any type of a change.
The doctor’s think my grandfather’s caner was triggered by being hit in the breast very hard with a baseball (he was an umpire).
Back when my grandfather had breast cancer I was a teenager. I didn’t really know much about breast cancer. It’s not like it is today where it’s a topic that is openly discussed.
Other people I know who dealt with cancer are my great-grandmother (uterine and cervical cancers), brother in law (kidney cancer), mother in law (pancreatic cancer) and a family friend (brain cancer).
I have severe anemia that requires me to get iron infusions for a few weeks every year. I go to an infusion center at a local hospital to get the infusions done. In the same facility people also get chemotherapy and other cancer related treatments.
It breaks my heart to see people, both young and old, having to deal with those treatments. I’m not exaggerating when I say it makes me want to cry. I think the nurses at the facility know that seeing the cancer patients going through their treatments make me emotional because they always try to put me in a room by myself. It’s not that I don’t care – quite the opposite. I care A LOT. It breaks my heart and I wish there was something I could do to help them.
There is something I can do – I can try and bring a smile to the face of a cancer patient. But how can I do that?
When you are dealing with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, it’s hard to get ordinary tasks taken care of. If you know someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis, here are a few things you can do to help them out.
- Clean their home
- Do their laundry
- Prepare Meals for them (ones they can easily warm in the oven or microwave)
- Offer to drive them to/from appointments/treatments
- Bring them a movie and some goodies and have a Move Night together
- Bring/Send flowers or small gifts
- Send a card
- Write a note
- Offer them an ear to listen to them and a shoulder to cry on
These are just a few ideas.
Another way to help bring a smile to someone’s face – even if it’s someone you don’t know – is to participate in the Spread Kindness to Cancer Patients Program. The Spread Kindness to Cancer Patients Program is sponsored by Environmental Litigation Group, P.C.
The Spread Kindness to Cancer Patients Program encourages people to put together special gift baskets and deliver them directly to cancer patients (both in their home or in the hospital).
The type if gift baskets suggested are a bit different than the ones you might expect. The Spread Kindness to Cancer Patients Program recommends gift baskets filled with healthy fruits, vegetables and other foods ideal for cancer patients.
In addition to the recommendations, you an also learn a bit more about each food and why it’s ideal for someone dealing with cancer. Here are a few examples.
Organic Flax Snacks
Flaxseeds are an ideal source of dietary fiber, lignan, and Omega-3. Flaxseeds also contain nine amino acids that, when existing together, create a total protein like those found in dairy and meat.
Cucumber
This vegetable is low in calories because it consists mainly of water. It allows us to re-hydrate the body and at the same time cleanse it of toxins. Its phytonutrient list contains cucurbitacins, lignans, flavonoids.
Sugarless Candies
Cancer treatments can damage the saliva glands and some therapies are causing dry mouth. In this case, some flavored candies can be a delicious choice.
To be honest, I would never think to fill a gift basket with healthy foods (raw and/or cooked). When I think of gift baskets I think of ones will with bath & body products or sweet treats. A “healthy” gift basket sounds like a wonderful idea.
Of course non-food items are also appreciated and helpful. Take for example a heating pad. Chemotherapy and weight loss can result in constant chills. A thick, fuzzy blanket is also great for keeping warm.
Other non-food ideas include gift cards (so that the patient doesn’t have to worry about shopping and preparing a meal), books, movies, head scarves and lotions.
If you would like more inspiration or ideas, visit The Spread Kindness to Cancer Patients Program.
I would also recommend this great article too – You Too Can Make a Cancer Patient Smile.
You don’t need to know a cancer patient personally to help make a difference. You could visit your local hospital and drop off a gift basket for a cancer patient. You could also ask friends, family, co-workers or neighbors if they know of someone dealing with cancer right now that could use a smile. You could also ask your doctor if they know of anyone.
ANYONE can participate in this project. You don’t need to be a blogger. Simply visit the project page, learn more about what would make for great additions in a gift basket, put one together and deliver it to someone who could really use a smile.
What you put in the gift basket it entirely up to you. You can create something to fit your budget too. You don’t need to “break the bank” to bring a smile to someone’s face. Any kind gesture would be greatly appreciated. Like my mom used to always tell me, “It’s not the gift but the thought that counts.”
Do you know anyone who is personally dealing with a cancer diagnosis or treatment? Do you think they would appreciate a special gift basket created just for them?
Feel free to share your thoughts, ideas and/or suggestions. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. to bring you this information. Although sponsored the opinions expressed are entirely my own and not influenced in any way.
Shell says
This is such a wonderful idea. I lost my sister to cancer a few years ago. It’s such an emotional and physical toll on not only the patient, but also their family. I know my sister would have appreciated something like this. Thanks for sharing.