Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this month really dig in and support women who are dealing with this disease. Remembering a loved one, a friend or supporting a stranger this month will be a wonderful, honorable thing to do.

Having to go through cancer is tough enough, but having to go through it alone is devastating, so just a hello to a cancer patient goes a long way. This month I challenge you to get out, give and share with a woman who needs your support. I am going to share a few ways you can support someone and show them you care.

Local and national charities are a good start, getting a cure for cancer is a long stretch, but with technology evolving and the world changing in a productive way, it can be possible. If there is not a cure for cancer, we are closer to finding ways to help extend life for cancer patients and finding more ways to provide patients with more options.

Making a satisfying meal helps patients stay strong and gives them strength. Taking care of the day-to-day chores can be tough, so make a delicious meal or snack the patient can eat between and after doctor appointments. You can also do meal preparation and provide food to enjoy all week or keep it in the fridge or freezer for future enjoyment.

Cleaning the patient’s home and running errands can be a tremendous help; after going through treatment the patient will not have the energy or the time to run errands. This can really help someone going through cancer because most patients want to keep their daily life as normal as possible, so helping them maintain their daily life is essential to their healing.

Having kids and a family can be tough on the family also, because the mom, which is Wonder Woman in my book, is recovering. The family needs to bond together and keep the home afloat, but that is a big bag to carry, so dive in and help with homework, laundry, schoolwork and wherever there is a need. Kids also need encouragement and support, so give them creative ways to make things for mom and get involved.

Lasty, with the way phones has evolved, make a phone call, facetime, or send a text message full of emojis, kind words and be involved in the patient’s day to day, let them know you are available so they can reach out to you in a time of need, everyone’s needs are different, so they just might need a warm blanket, some cookies, or a good laugh.

More than anything else, I am sending love, hugs, and kisses to those who have cancer. This month and every month we encourage you on this journey and you will get better and better, stay strong and keep smiling.