October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time to share some tips on how to support a loved one with breast cancer. So many of us don’t know where to start when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Here are 5 simple ways you can support someone with breast cancer.
This post was sponsored by Specialty Retailers, Inc.
How to Support a Loved One with Breast Cancer
I’m wearing pink this month in support of breast cancer awareness! I found this on-trend raw hem sweater at Gordmans for a great price. This month, Gordmans is turning October into Pink October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The tips I’m sharing in this post are solely mine and are not specifically endorsed or recommended by Gordmans or BCRF.
Start by Listening
The most important thing you can do to support a loved one with breast cancer is listen. They may want to talk about their diagnosis or treatments, or they may want to talk about their other interests. They may ask for help with certain tasks, or they may want to feel normal by doing things themselves. Let them guide the conversation. Remember the goal is to provide support, not unwanted interference.
Be Supportive of Their Decisions
Respect your loved one’s treatment decisions, even if they differ from what you would choose for them. Breast cancer treatment is a personal decision, and your loved one will appreciate you respecting and supporting their wishes.
If the person would be open to it, you can provide resources and suggestions for treatment. At the end of the day, however, your job is to be fully supportive of the treatment your loved one selects.
Support Breast Cancer Charities
A simple way to support a loved one with breast cancer is donating to breast cancer charities. This month, my friends at Gordmans are making that easier than ever by providing 2 ways you can support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation:
- Post a photo on your Instagram feed using #ipinkican. Gordmans will donate $1.00 to support Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every photo posted during October 2019 (up to $35,000).
- Visit a Gordmans store and pick up one of these great reusable bags, priced at $2.98. $2.00 of the purchase price goes to support BCRF. [Find your closest Gordmans here!]
Learn more about how Gordmans is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month here!
Blair’s cute unicorn leggings are also from Gordmans! If you’re not familiar with Gordmans, they’re an off-price retailer, which means they buy excess inventory from department/specialty stores and sell it to you at greatly-reduced prices. I find some of the most unique pieces there, especially for my kids.
Take Care of Meals
In my opinion, one of the biggest ways to support a loved one with breast cancer is to take care of their meals. Organize a meal train, or just ask when would be a good time for you to bring a couple meals over yourself. Send a gift card for a food delivery service or a favorite pizza place.
Stay Connected
Finally, I believe that an important way to support a loved one with breast cancer is staying connected throughout treatment. Although there is generally an outpouring of support after an initial diagnosis, many people tend to get busy with their own lives and forget to continue checking in. Sending your loved one periodic messages, especially on days when they have medical appointments, will mean a lot to them.
Set a calendar reminder to check in to see if they need anything! Better yet, rather than asking if they need anything, just volunteer what you’re able to do. This skips over the awkward part of them having to wonder if you’re truly offering to help or just “trying to be nice.” Offer a specific task, like picking up their kids from school on a busy day of appointments, bringing over a meal so they don’t have to cook, or doing some laundry.
I hope you found these tips on how to support a loved one with breast cancer helpful!
Before you go, please remember to use #ipinkican on Instagram to help Gordmans support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation! You’re going to be posting on Instagram anyway, why not make it count?
Pin these tips on how to support a loved one with breast cancer for later!
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4 Comments
I love this pink sweater! The color is so great and I love the raw hem. Great styling, too. And such wonderful tips for supporting one who is going through breast cancer treatment. I think so many of us don’t know what to do and we end up either doing nothing or doing something awkward. You have offered some really great tips as a starting point. Thanks for sharing and linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
That means a lot to me, thank you! I really put a lot of thought into this post because I can totally relate to doing nothing, or worse, doing or saying something awkward.
I think these are great tips. My dad passed away (2 years ago this month) from liver cancer and I try to give and support charities for liver cancer. We found out 2 months before he passed away. It’s important to show loved ones they are loved too.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I’m sure he would love to know that you are supporting charities in his honor. Thank you for the kind comment!