A Little Encouragement

Here are some clever ideas to brighten a cancer (or any patients) patients day

Hat off to Cancer:  For a cancer patient just starting treatment which includes the possibility of hair loss:  Throw a "Hats off to (their name here)" and have everyone attending bring a hat the patient can wear.  Expand on this theme with a hat shaped cake.

Find a Penny pick it up:  Place a penny where the patient can find it and include a note that says "When you see a penny, know I am praying for you".  Then, find opportunities to scatter pennies around on a regular basis (works great for a co-worker or family member)

Chemo Care Packages:  Put together a small basket of items a patient might take with them to treatment.  Include things like tissues, lip balm, hard candies, a puzzle book (or coloring book and crayons), thank you cards, bible verses, rubics cube or other puzzle, notebook or journal and pens, joke book or other treats to help the time pass or to bring a smile or start a conversation.  Some of these items can be shared with other patients or used by the care give who accompanies the patient.

Caring Cards:  It never ceases to amaze me how something as simple as a card can brighten a patients day.  Send many and send often.  Solicit your children, girl scout troop, Sunday school class or co-workers to write a card.  I often provide cards for a small group and encourage them to STOP everything and write a note.  Patients are so encouraged when they receive just the right message from a friend or stranger!

Deal a Meal:  have your friends prepare an extra serving of a meal and freeze it.  Arrange to have them delivered to the patients home (call first or arrange with another family member).  Nothing say loving like something from your oven!

Hug:  When words fail you, just reach our and give a hug!