Cancer sucks – we all know that. So what do you do when someone you care for has Cancer? In addition to praying for them and loving them, you can help them…including making a care package specifically for what they are going through.

Send them homemade dinner, gift cards for dinner or Target, housekeeping services, lawn care, carpools, flowers…anything that will brighten their day or make their day a little bit easier. I avoid asking them, “What can I do to help?” That gives them work to come up with something you can do and puts the onus on them to ask for help. Instead, just do what you know they need or offer a specific source of help. For example, “Since I am already driving Molly to school, can I bring Simon too?” Make it seem like it is easy for you, and they won’t feel like a burden asking for help. (Even though we know they aren’t a burden.)

I like to make care packages for them. I have made a few over the last few years – I’ll share a few of my favorite things to include and links to where you can get them.

Important note – the people I have supported in the past have been badasses. We’re going to kick cancer’s ass type of people. So I avoided the pink ribbon and breast cancer awareness items. The most important thing in creating a care package is to include what will be meaningful for the receiver so include what you think makes the most sense.  And don’t feel like you have to get all these items – even 1 or 2 things is a kind gesture to show that you care.

With that in mind, fair warning that there are going to be lots of swear words below. To be fair, I have already used a few swear words, so you know what you are getting into reading this. 

Here are my favorite items to include:

1. Comfy pajamas – ones with a separate top and bottom and that open in the front. My favorites are the Auden brand from Target. I have several pairs myself. They are very reasonably priced and the softest pajamas I have ever owned.
2. Plates to break. This is one of my favorites. Sometimes you just need to break something – so give them something they are SUPPOSED to break. Go to Goodwill or the clearance section at TJ Maxx and grab a couple of simple plates. Not plastic or melamine but ones that will break. Then use a Sharpie and write a funny message. Bake at 250° for 2 hours and voila! The Sharpie is now on permanently!
3. A custom banner so you can create a motivating phrase. I went with “F Cancer” and “Cancer GFY” (Go F Yourself)
4. Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Balm to help with chapped lips. This is my absolute favorite – I use it all the time.
5. A “F Cancer” morse code bracelet so they can have some motivation without offending anyone.
6. Fuzzy socks for while they are getting chemo or recovering at home. If they are going to be in the hospital frequently, consider getting socks with grippers.
7. Cera Ve hand cream to help with dry skin.
8. A little guardian angel so they can have a visual reminder that you are supporting them.
9. A collapsible bucket that you can paint or decorate with stickers. If you have to vomit, you might as well have something cute to do it in.
10. Their favorite alcoholic drink to celebrate when they go into remission.

Here are some additional items to consider:

• Hard candy
• Tervis
• Hot tea
• Playing cards
• Comfy blanket
• Journal
• Bone Broth
• Hand sanitizer
• Candy cigarettes since they probably don’t want to smoke.
• Eye cover
• Mini air horn to celebrate
• Tote bag to carry everything

And as always, a trip to Target or TJ Maxx will give you inspiration on anything else you want to include.

Send your loved one a little sunshine, a little laugh, and a little care!