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It is never easy when you are in the thick of fighting cancer. My sister fought leukemia twice and won but it was not easy. Her pain and suffering through that trying time will forever be in my mind. When I see her today, I am truly amazed at the inner strength that she has. She lives her life to the fullest and keeps herself healthy through diet, exercise and a constant regiment of doctor’s visits and monitoring. I am happy to say that cancer has not stopped her.
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🎒 Shop: Travel EssentialsTaking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’, World Cancer Day 2016 explores how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.
Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities.
World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.
Visit worldcancerday.org/get-involved to find out how to get involved in World Cancer Day.~ from the World Cancer Day website
As many families continue to face the daily chores of dealing with cancer I thought I would write a post about what you can do to make a difference for someone. Lending a helping hand, taking the time to listen or just a comforting hug can be a much needed act of kindness that is appreciated by both the afflicted and the caregiver. Words and deeds of support and love provide encouragement and comfort. Here are a few suggestions of how YOU can help.
- provide meals that are easy to freeze or re-heat. Consider asking if there are any aversions or foods that should be avoided.
- provides sources of entertainment: books, magazines, DVD’s, music
- provided transportation to appointments or treatment
- provided childcare if there are little ones around
- Take the dog for a walk, take a pet to the vet if needed
- Help will paying bills, dropping off library books
- Do a few loads of laundry, do the dishes, vacuum a room or two
- Send some flowers to brighten the day (make sure that they do not irritate the person)
- Pay for a subscription t Netflix so there is a variety of TV shows, movies and documentaries to watch
- Gift the primary caregiver with some gift certificates to a spa, get a manicure
- Take the caregiver out to the movies, the theatre or to your local museum
- Buy then a nice bottle of wine or specialty tea (from David’s Tea for example)
- Hire a cleaning person to come in every couple of weeks
- Call to say hello and talk about something other than the cancer
- Work on a hobby together (but know when you have to call it quits)
If you have small children you can help to maintain a routine to keep life as normal as possible:
- help their children with homework if you know they are struggling in school
- offer to speak to teachers, principals or team coaches if that is needed
- pick up or drop off at school
- arrange play-dates at your house
- offer to pick them up and drop them off for practice, game or afterschool activity
- offer to drive the parent to the game and be prepared to leave early if need be
- organize activities for the kids on PD days
- give those kids hugs
We can all do something to make a person’s life a little happier and ensure that the workload is a little lighter. Today is World Cancer day and I know I can give love, support and hope. We Can. I Can.
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