13/11/2024
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽:
Daily routines can become overwhelming, so offering to help with meals, household chores, grocery shopping, or taking them to medical appointments can ease some of their load. If they have other children, offering childcare can be incredibly helpful.
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Sometimes, families just need someone to listen to without judgement or unsolicited advice.
Letting them express their feelings freely can be comforting. Even simple messages of support show that you're thinking of them.
𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻:
What's a meal train? It's a rota where friends arrange for meals to be delivered to the family or for them to receive gift cards to local restaurants.
Many families have extended hospital stays or bust schedules with medical appointments, so having meals taken care of removes a great stress from their shoulders.
𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
If there are other children, they may feel confused or overlooked, they may be struggling to fully understand why their sibling is getting all the attention.
Offering outings, playdates and companionship for siblings can help them cope while offering their parents some respite.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆:
Each family copes differently following a diagnosis of childhood cancer. Let them set boundaries and be mindful not to overwhelm them with visits or calls, especially during treatment periods.
A what’s app group where one person can update the group is a great way to keep people informed but the family only has one person to speak to!
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺:
After the initial diagnosis and the shock people often step back. Families appreciate support well beyond that initial diagnosis, while obviously respecting their boundaries as per previous story.
Regular check-ins, cards on birthdays, Christmas, simple gestures to show that they are not alone on their journey.
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲... Being a steady, compassionate presence can provide the family with comfort and strength through this difficult time.
A simple text/what’s app message to let them know you care can mean the world, and don’t take offence if they don’t reply immediately, they are going through hell!
