I am caretaking for my mother during a terrible cancer diagnosis; I can attest that all of these are truly appreciated. I'd add to put the person in your calendar on repeat so you can continue to reach out regularly.
Lesley, thank you for this, it is spot on, all of it. Bobbi, thank you for sharing. It has been upsetting when close friends don’t call through my cancer journey, though I do realize it’s probably because they do not know what to say. These guidelines are really wonderful.
Lesley, thank you for these meaningful and poignant recommendations. You bring clarity and calm to life events that are deeply painful and disorienting for people and help us understand how to be supportive. The ability to be present for someone going through a crisis is deeply meaningful and can have a significant impact on healing. As a psychologist it is a helpful reminder of the importance of what we do. Thanks for your devotion to those in crisis.
From a patients perspective, thank you. As my struggle with multiple sclerosis has gotten more difficult over the years all of these things mean so much to me. A hug and a laugh are at the top of the list, they feel good. I actually appreciate when I’m asked about the status of my disease, it’s good to be able to talk about it. Also remember the care partners/givers, the real hero’s. Their lives need to be recognized as well. I don’t know what I would do without my husband♥️
This is so helpful Bobbi 🙏🏼 I love the actionable tips! I offer to make food or do errands like grocery shopping. I second the calendar, I am on a care and visit calendar and also an email thread with updates for a dear friend who is moving through stage four ovarian cancer. It's helpful to keep everyone on the same page ❤️ xo Carla
Great advice! My favorite is avoid cliches..when my daughter was born blind, I remember when people would say to me “well it could be a lot worse” ! Sadl, although the effort may have been there that was not helpful to how I was feeling!
Thank you Lesley for your valuable recommendations. In times of crisis, like a cancer diagnosis, the importance of peer support cannot be overstated. It’s not uncommon for friends to pull away out of discomfort or uncertainty, leaving individuals to feel isolated. This is why platforms like CancerBuddy on iOS and Android (@cancerbuddyapp) are vital. Through CancerBuddy, patients, survivors, and caregivers can connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through, providing not just comfort but meaningful support from people who’ve been there. Simple acts of reaching out, listening, and showing up—whether in person or through an app—can make a world of difference in someone’s journey.
Yes! The CancerBuddy app is so helpful for connecting those who are going through the same thing. All your programs at the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation are amazing resources for patients, families, and friends. Thanks for all you do there!
I am caretaking for my mother during a terrible cancer diagnosis; I can attest that all of these are truly appreciated. I'd add to put the person in your calendar on repeat so you can continue to reach out regularly.
Lesley, thank you for this, it is spot on, all of it. Bobbi, thank you for sharing. It has been upsetting when close friends don’t call through my cancer journey, though I do realize it’s probably because they do not know what to say. These guidelines are really wonderful.
Lesley, thank you for these meaningful and poignant recommendations. You bring clarity and calm to life events that are deeply painful and disorienting for people and help us understand how to be supportive. The ability to be present for someone going through a crisis is deeply meaningful and can have a significant impact on healing. As a psychologist it is a helpful reminder of the importance of what we do. Thanks for your devotion to those in crisis.
Love this. Thank you Bobbi!
Sooooo helpful and intuitive. Great points!!!
Clear, thoughtful, and immediately actionable advice. Thank you for these practical tips for being a better human when we are needed most.
Such refreshingly straightforward and useful advice!!
Such helpful advice on how to be there for those who need it most. Thanks for sharing.
From a patients perspective, thank you. As my struggle with multiple sclerosis has gotten more difficult over the years all of these things mean so much to me. A hug and a laugh are at the top of the list, they feel good. I actually appreciate when I’m asked about the status of my disease, it’s good to be able to talk about it. Also remember the care partners/givers, the real hero’s. Their lives need to be recognized as well. I don’t know what I would do without my husband♥️
Love this - so thoughtful. Having experienced cancer and divorce I’ve seen friends completely lost for how to help and this guidance is so good! ♥️
This is so helpful Bobbi 🙏🏼 I love the actionable tips! I offer to make food or do errands like grocery shopping. I second the calendar, I am on a care and visit calendar and also an email thread with updates for a dear friend who is moving through stage four ovarian cancer. It's helpful to keep everyone on the same page ❤️ xo Carla
Lesley,
These are wonderful suggestions. So often my heart is in the right place but I am unsure of the best way to execute. I’ll keep your list handy.
Great advice! My favorite is avoid cliches..when my daughter was born blind, I remember when people would say to me “well it could be a lot worse” ! Sadl, although the effort may have been there that was not helpful to how I was feeling!
Thank you Lesley for your valuable recommendations. In times of crisis, like a cancer diagnosis, the importance of peer support cannot be overstated. It’s not uncommon for friends to pull away out of discomfort or uncertainty, leaving individuals to feel isolated. This is why platforms like CancerBuddy on iOS and Android (@cancerbuddyapp) are vital. Through CancerBuddy, patients, survivors, and caregivers can connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through, providing not just comfort but meaningful support from people who’ve been there. Simple acts of reaching out, listening, and showing up—whether in person or through an app—can make a world of difference in someone’s journey.
Yes! The CancerBuddy app is so helpful for connecting those who are going through the same thing. All your programs at the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation are amazing resources for patients, families, and friends. Thanks for all you do there!
Very well said. All of these are such helpful tips.
I like the one about putting a reminder in your calendar so you reach out more than once! Super helpful tho…all of these!