Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/197379
GREAT GIFTS FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Keisha Echols gets a tear in her eye when she thinks back to the time when her husband was in the hospital for colorectal cancer surgery. She remembers driving home after a long day at the hospital with her young children in tow—all three of them tired, worn out and hungry. Their spirits were lifted and their bellies were flled when coworkers met them at home with a hot meal prepared in advance. "They would literally meet me in the driveway with the hot food," says Keisha of the repeated gifts of meals that her friends provided. "It was the most wonderful present and a huge blessing that I'll never forget." If a friend, coworker or loved one is currently managing cancer, you may be wondering about a suitable gift to convey your best wishes. Below are a few options to explore. • Donation to a cancer-related nonproft. Resources like charitynavigator.org can help you fnd charitable organizations dedicated to specifc cancer types or related causes. Consider making a donation in your recipient's name to an organization of his or her choice or to one that is making a difference in research or support services for patients diagnosed with the same type of Rod and Keisha enjoyed shopping for their children's gifts. cancer. Then either print out a gift card or request one directly from the organization and present it to your friend or loved one. • Humorous books, DVDs or audio recordings. It is said that laughter is the best medicine, so consider a gift of a DVD, book or audio recording that brings a little levity into a patient's life. Select one or more that you know the recipient already loves—or go with your gut and choose one that is new to him or her. Another option is to purchase an iPod or similar device and download a selection of audio recordings for the patient to take along to treatment; these could include comedy, music or audiobooks. • Theme-based gift baskets. Come up with an interesting theme and create (or have someone else create) a gift basket around it. Consider the recipient's hobbies, likes and to-do lists. Someone who has always talked about scrapbooking might love a basket that includes a camera, a starter scrapbook and instructions on how to get it done; for a friend who loves to pamper herself, consider a spa theme and include lotions, a lavender pillow and soothing music. Any thoughtful collection of small gifts will be sure to raise your loved one's spirits and show how much you care. • Blankets, throws and pajamas. Comfortable and cozy coverings can help patients and their families relax—even when they are camped out in a waiting room or a hospital. • Gift cards for restaurants, movies or groceries. Costs related to cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and many patients appreciate the opportunity to splurge on a movie or a night out when money is tight. Offering a gift certifcate to a favorite restaurant, for a couple of movie tickets or for groceries can be a welcome gift. cfthrive.com winter 2013 | cancer fighters thrive 29