How You Live

Start a campaign at your school or in your community! Use your own creativity and resources to be a part of this awesome movement April 5-11.

Under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has designated at least $200 million in FYs 2009 – 2010 for a new initiative called the NIH Challenge Grants in Science and Research. 

One of the NIH grants (up to $1 million) supports young adult cancer research.  How exciting!   Check it out:

The Biology of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults. A Progress Review Group, involving the NCI, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance, identified the need to determine if unique biological and molecular differences underlie adolescent and young adult cancer with respect to prognosis and therapeutic outcome and differentiate it from the disease in younger or older patients.  Studies are encouraged using existing tissue samples to investigate whether definitive biological and genetic differences exist in cancers in the 15-39 year age group and whether any such differences could account for the different disease outcomes experienced by this group.  Appropriate topics of investigation could include epigenetic differences, developmental influences or microenvironment changes.

“If a friend is in trouble, don’t annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it.” -Edgar Howe

Many times, when someone is in a crisis, they are not likely to reach out for help.  And if you ask, “Is there anything I can do?” the response is usually vague or uncertain for fear of being a burden.  Don’t be afraid to step in when you recognize a need.  Your efforts will be appreciated more than you know.

·         Clean. Especially things like changing sheets, dusting, mopping floors, etc.  The tough jobs that can feel overwhelming. 

·         Laundry.

·         Do grocery shopping or errands.

·         Massage gift certificate.

·         Subscription to NetFlix.

·         iTunes gift cards.

·         Drive to doctor appointments and treatments.  Hospital days can be long and wearisome, but so much more bearable with a friend.

·         Purchase Take-n-Bake meals or meal subscription from Super Suppers

·         Go for a walk or easy hike.  Fresh air + good conversation = healing

·         Magazine subscriptions. Due to medicine and exhaustion, it may be difficult to concentrate on a book, but short magazine segments are usually more enjoyable.

·         Cards.  This is especially meaningful if you live out of town and can’t easily keep in touch in person.

·         Babysit.

·         Make a brief visit to the infusion room when he/she is having treatment.  Keep in mind that the patient could be knocked out, but will love to know that you stopped by. 

·         Mow the lawn and/or plant flowers.

·         Return calls and voicemails to those wonderfully caring people who are “just checking in.”

I couldn't go out for New Year's, so the party came to me!

These are just a few suggestions.  Each individual is different and the needs of each patient and family are completely different.  The main thing is to be proactive and do something.

Don’t forget about those caring for the sick person.  The role of caregiver can be overwhelming and often under-appreciated.  Instead of only asking how the patient is doing, ask how the caregiver is doing.  Typically, they are under a lot of pressure to be strong and courageous all the time.  They would probably welcome an opportunity to share their fear and anxiety.  Offer to trade places and sit with the patient at appointments.  Bring food to the family who is waiting at the hospital.  Take the children to do something fun to take their mind of the crisis. 

The opportunities are truly endless.  Use your own skills and gifts to be a help and support. 

One final thought….be mindful about not doing too much.   A) The cancer patient needs space and probably still wants to maintain independence in most areas of life.  B) Let others share in the joy and experience of giving and serving.  Don’t steal all the jobs. J 

A dear friend visiting during a treatment.