How Can I Help A Loved One Suffering From Cancer?
By: Sonali Sahu
Published On: February 22, 2023
Cancer - a word that strikes fear in the hearts of so many. For years now, cancer has terrorized human life and has been one of the leading causes of death globally. Cancer is a terrible disease that can turn someone's life upside down. It doesn't discriminate; it affects people of all ages, genders, and races. It can cause physical, emotional, and financial burden that can be overwhelming for both the patient diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.
Working with India’s leading medical crowdfunding platform, we as employees come across and interact with several patients diagnosed with cancer on an everyday basis. While talking to the patients, their family members, friends and relatives, we have understood how important it is to provide practical and emotional support to cancer patients.
Source: Shutterstock
Helping someone with cancer requires empathy, kindness, and a willingness to support them through their journey. It can be an emotional and challenging time, but it is also an opportunity to make a significant impact on someone's life.
Whether it's a close friend, family member, or even someone you barely know who has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be a confusing and emotional time. You may feel helpless, but there are things you can do to support them during this difficult journey. Here’s how:
5 Things You Can Do To Help Someone Diagnosed With Cancer
First and foremost, it is important to remember that everyone's cancer journey is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting someone with cancer. What works for one person may not work for another, so it is essential to listen to their needs and be responsive to their individual situation.
Source: Shutterstock
Read: Caring For A Cancer Patient At Home: 10 Things You Can Do
Be Present For Them, No Matter What Happens
One of the most significant ways in which you can support someone with cancer is to be present for them. Whether it's by visiting them in the hospital, calling or texting to check in, or even just sending a thoughtful card or gift, showing that you care and are thinking of them can make a world of difference.
One of the most challenging aspects of cancer is the emotional toll it can take on the patient. It's essential to recognize that cancer patients may experience a wide range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to anger and depression. Try to be there for them during these times, offering your support and understanding.
Read: Seeing Your Son Battle Cancer Isn’t Easy
Source: Freepik
Be A Good Listener
It is extremely important to be a good listener. Cancer patients may need to talk about their fears, concerns, and frustrations, and just being there and listening to their concerns, their journey and their feelings can be incredibly helpful. Try not to offer unsolicited advice or make assumptions about what they are going through. Instead, simply listen and offer your support.
Be Patient And Understanding
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be gruelling and exhausting, and your loved one may not always feel up to socializing or participating in activities like they used to. It's important to be understanding of their limitations and to support them in whatever way they need. Be proactive in researching treatment options and connect them with support groups or organizations that can provide additional resources and assistance.
Source: Freepik
Offer Practical Support
Another way to help someone with cancer is to offer practical support. This could mean offering to take them to doctor's appointments, helping with household tasks, or even just bringing them a meal. These small acts of kindness can help ease their burden and allow them to focus on their health.
The next one is extremely important!
Take Care Of Yourself Too
Finally, it's essential to take care of yourself as well. Supporting someone with cancer can be emotionally strenuous, and it's important to make sure you are taking care of your own needs as well. This could mean seeking support from a counsellor or support group, taking time to do things you enjoy, or simply practising self-care.
Read: How To Protect Yourself From Caregiver Burnout?
Source: Freepik
ImpactGuru’s Motivation To Help Cancer Patients
ImpactGuru, India’s leading medical crowdfunding platform has witnessed many stories of hope, strength, kindness, and courage when it comes to fighting cancer. One thing that has been common throughout the years is the will and determination to stand tall against cancer by patients across all age groups. Here we share the source of our motivation:
During my journey with cancer, I was blessed to have the support of my family, and strangers who showed me kindness and compassion. They helped me through tough times by being there for me emotionally and financially. Kind donors from all around the nation helped me raise ₹35,82,529. My determination to make the most of this second chance is unwavering, and I will always feel grateful to each and everyone for their love and support.
When everyone had given up on us, ImpactGuru held our hand. They have been nothing short of a blessing for giving our little baby another chance to live. His cancer treatment is going very well. We can finally watch our baby live a joyful, pain-free childhood.
Source: ImpactGuru
Initially, it was quite confusing for us to understand why absolute strangers would donate money to save my Niral from cancer. But slowly I understood the sheer beauty of crowdfunding, where people join hands together and fight the battle in unison. Gradually, we raised Rs. 9.32 lakh for my son’s cancer treatment. That helped my son receive his most critical treatment on time!
Read: Be a GEM- Help Patients in India Fight Cancer
In conclusion, supporting someone with cancer is a challenging but essential task. If you know someone with cancer, don't be afraid to reach out and offer your help. It's important to be present, listen, offer practical support, and be understanding of their emotions. By doing so, you can make a significant difference in their journey and help them feel less alone. Amidst all this, remember to take care of yourself as well!
Apart from all this, we at ImpactGuru are always there to help cancer patients in India. With continuous and consistent support from dedicated donors and changemakers, we aim to support every single critical patient who is struggling to afford the necessary treatment. If you wish to connect with us for any necessary help, we are just an email away. Write to us at [email protected] or simply connect with us at 18008912903. We would be glad to assist you!
Read: Does Crowdfunding Help? Brave Cancer Survivor & Mother Of Two Shares The Truth
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