One of the first questions people ask when they find out someone they care about has cancer — especially when it’s a child — is:
“How can I help?”
That question alone shows love and compassion, and believe me, it means a lot. But sometimes it’s hard to know what actually helps. As a cancer family, we’ve been there — overwhelmed, exhausted, and trying to survive the unthinkable. So here are some things that truly helped… and a few that didn’t.
💛Support the Family — Financially and Emotionally
One of the biggest and fastest ways cancer impacts a family is financially. Most families will suddenly go from two incomes to one — or none. Hospital stays, constant doctor visits, and late-night ER runs destroy any sense of a “normal schedule.” It often becomes impossible for both parents to keep working, and yet the bills don’t stop.
That’s where you can step in:
- Buy the T-shirts, bracelets, or support merch they’re selling
- Share and contribute to their GoFundMe or fundraiser
- Organize a community fundraiser or donation drive
Not only does this help practically — but emotionally, seeing someone wearing a bracelet or shirt with your child’s name on it out in the community? It’s a reminder that we’re not alone.
🏠Support Local Cancer Foundations
Big-name cancer charities do great work, but don’t overlook the small ones in your own community. Local cancer foundations often work directly with families, providing personalized support that national organizations just can’t.
Your time, your donation, or simply sharing their mission can go directly to real people in your town — your neighbors, your friends, your local heroes.
🧹Help With the Little Things
It’s the “little things” that often fall through the cracks:
- Lawn care
- Trash cans moved to the curb (and back!)
- Walking the dog
- Doing dishes or laundry
- Watching the kids so a parent can shower or nap
These might seem minor, but when life is chaos, they’re lifesavers. One of the most unexpected gifts I had was a family member who would just talk at me on the phone while I drove home from the hospital. No cancer talk, no advice — just funny, random stories that gave my brain a break. That kind of love is priceless.
👧Don’t Forget the Siblings
Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient — it affects the whole family. Often, siblings end up in the shadows, and not because they’re less loved, but because the fight is all-consuming.
So if you’re bringing a gift, think about the timing — and the other kids in the house. They need to feel seen and special too. Offer to spend time with them. Let them talk. Let them be kids. They’re fighting a battle too, just in a different way.
🙏Pray — But Respect Boundaries
We believe in the power of prayer — and yes, God is still in the miracle business. Start a prayer group, light a candle, send an encouraging message.
But please remember: you don’t need all the details to pray effectively. Be respectful of what the family chooses to share. God already knows what’s going on. Just lift them up with love.
❌What NOT to Do
We know you’re trying to help, but please — don’t send us medical articles about a child in another state who tried an herbal smoothie and was “cured.” Unless we ask, we don’t need home remedies or alternative treatment suggestions from your cousin’s neighbor’s friend.
Trust that we’ve chosen a medical team. Your support is needed in helping us cope, not cure.
In Closing
When cancer hits someone you love, you want to do something. These small acts of kindness, respect, and presence — they’re not small to us. They are everything.
Thank you for showing up. For caring. For walking alongside families like ours.
Because in the world of childhood cancer, nobody should have to fight alone. — The Super Sam Foundation💛
