How to Support a Friend Whose Child Has Cancer

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Be there for your friend.

   Ask her if there is anything she needs right then. ,,, for the family.
   
   Each child's type of cancer and specific health situation is often known just to the family.
   
   If asked by the family to do any research then request that they ask the medical staff to write down the exact type of cancer and weather it is form 1,2,3 or
   4.The ramifications of providing information to a family that ends up causing the family more fear and anxiety would be devastating to them and yourself. . , Depending on the child's condition they may not be able or allowed to eat.
   
   Many children develop severe mouth ulcers as a result of chemo therapy and eating is very painful.
   
   Children on Chemo often do not want to eat.
   
   Ask the parent if there is anything the child is craving regardless of its nutritional value the calories will be a benefit.
   
   The parents will know if there are any restrictions. , Don't promise everything will be OK.
   
   However keep talk positive and try to refrain from stating what you think is best unless asked.
   
   Many times parents just want to sit in silence and cry. , The stress of worrying about the child that is ill and the children at home can feel overwhelming to parents. , Offering to drive to appointments etc. is often a big help. , People often don't realize just how much hearing from a friend helps keep parents feeling positive . , Don't assume that because chemo is over that your friends life will bounce back to normal.
   
   It will take a long time before any sense of normalcy will emerge and even then it will be a new normal. , Cancer often devastates a family financially.
   
   If you can help by arranging fundraisers for the family and if they don't need the assistance then consider helping to raise funds for cancer research.
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   Step 2: Visit your friend and her child at the hospital.

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   Step 3: Buy presents to cheer up the child.

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   Step 4: If your friend is the type of person that gains strength from personal touches such as hugs then don't be afraid to do so.

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   Step 5: Sometimes even parents that normally don't pray need something to hang on to and offering to pray for their child or to pray with them may be a big support.Pray with your friend for the child.

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   Step 6: Gently remind your friend how important it is that she stay healthy

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   Step 7: that taking care of herself is not selfish but best so she can continue to be there for her child.

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   Step 8: Do NOT research any facts on cancer etc.

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   Step 9: Find out from your friend what food the child can eat and what they enjoy.

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    Step 10: Listen if your friend wants to talk.

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    Step 11: If your friend has other children offer to babysit.

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    Step 12: Help your friend with anything that will ease his or her sleep deprivation.

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    Step 13: Call and ask your friend how she (not just the child) is doing.

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    Step 14: Give positive encouragement at all times.

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    Step 15: In most situations the family will need financial help.

Detailed Guide

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