5 AND 5: GIFTS FOR CANCER FIGHTERS AND CARETAKERS

CANCER ANSWER TUESDAYS: CARETAKERS CORNER

by Allison W. Gryphon

Q: My friend, family, co-worker has cancer and I’d like to send a gift, what should I do?

A: Fighting Cancer is overwhelming and there are so many wonderful gifts that you can send to both a cancer fighter and a caretaker. Having been through it, I’d say my strongest suggestion is to make sure you are giving something that the cancer fighter and/or caretaker wants or needs over what  you’d like to give. Secondly, don’t forget the caretakers; whether you are one or you are interacting with one, caretakers need a little TLC too.

5 IDEAS FOR GIFTING A CANCER FIGHTER

                                                          

1. Grocery and/or Meal Delivery. Shopping for and preparing food while you’re fighting cancer is not only an expense of time and money, it can really zap your energy. Making shopping or meal preparation easier in any way is both a wonderful and helpful gift.

 

2. Music. A personalized playlist or a music gift card is great. Music is the one thing that a cancer fighter can take almost anywhere and enjoy any time.

3. Lap Desk. In bed, on the couch, in the car, a lap desk is light weight and comfortable for everything from eating dinner to reading, doing paperwork and propping up a lap top.

                                          

4. Comfort and Style. Feeling good makes you look good and looking good makes you feel good. Soft, stylish, comfortable clothes that are easy on and easy off for a cancer fighter in treatment is always nice.

5. Laundry. On top of all of the tasks involved with fighting cancer, laundry can be one of the exhausting ones. It’s hot, heavy and time consuming. My friends Alia and Dwight frequented my house during treatment for little laundry folding parties. It was always a nice visit and an incredibly helpful gift.

5 IDEAS FOR GIFTING A CARETAKER

1. Movie Night Gift Cards. Escape. Adventure. A night off. Caretakers need little breaks so they can relax and recharge their battery. A movie is a great evening of “me time.”

2. Pampering. Taking care of the caretaker is just as important as taking care of the cancer fighter. Massage, manicure, meditation, spa and yoga gift cards are wonderful.

3. Dinner. Caretakers are often preparing meals for the cancer fighter they love. A wonderful treat to make dinner for the caretaker or send them out with a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

4. Comfort and Style. Caretaking means lots of running around. Comfort is imperative and style makes most people feel good. A comfy, stylish edition to a caretaker’s wardrobe is always a nice treat.

5. Gas Cards. Taking care of a cancer fighter means loads of driving, which means loads of gas. A gift card is a wonderful practical gift.

If you have any suggestions or questions for Caretaker’s Corner please email us at info@thewhyfoundation.org.

www.thewhyfoundation.org