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#NationalCancerDay Gives! Bring Happiness To Those Fighting Cancer

#NationalCancerDay is February 4th.  Many of us, if not most of us, have know of someone close to us that has gone through cancer treatment. Though research has progressed, we have not yet found the cure for cancer. Fingers crossed one day that dream comes true! In the meantime, giving to someone we know, or perhaps don’t know, who is being treated for cancer is a great way to give! I even make sure that I give to my friends who are in remission, or who are supporting a family member who is going through cancer treatments.

6 Giving Ideas for #NationalCancerDay!

In the past year we have had two dear friends fighting cancer. We made a point to give to both the families and our friends directly as they struggled through treatment and recovery. Treatment is tough, and it takes a toll on both caregivers and the patient. These giving ideas are simple, easy gives that supported our friends during a challenging time. You too can use these giving ideas to support someone you know, or even someone you don’t know directly. These gives can make a huge difference in the lives of those who are going through the trajectory of this disease.

Send Messages of Support for Your Give

I have found text or voice messages to be a great way to support a family and friend who is going through cancer treatments. This allows all parties to see the message when they are not busy or read the messages when they have some time. Cancer treatment takes a lot of time and energy so letting people pick up messages when it is convenient for them is the best way to support! I have also found emojis in your test message to be a great way to emphasize your support!

Cook A Favorite Meal or Snack

Cravings change during cancer treatments. Sometimes there is no appetite and sometimes there can be incredible cravings. On the flipside, family members who are caring for someone going through cancer treatments would welcome a homecooked meal that relieves them from having to cook! Ask the patient what they may like to eat or ask the family what would be a good meal for them. A meal you cook yourself can show how much you are thinking  and supporting your friends.

#nationalcancerday - 365give

Make a Knitted Blanket With Friends

I love this idea and have completed one of these blankets myself with a large group of friends. As patients go through their treatments, they become more sensitive to cool temperatures and get colder faster! With a group of friends, knit a square and join them together to make a shawl or blanket. Each person can put their energy, love and support into the squares. The final product embraces the patient in a big blanket hug when they need it! Make the squares as big or as small as you like!

Have A Video Chat With Your Friend or Family Members

To protect the health of a person who is going through cancer treatments, have a video chat! This is as good as a visit and protects the immune system of the person having treatment. If you want to reach out to others, there are online volunteer opportunities where you can Check In and Chat with those who are isolated and a lack of support. This UK website has a few opportunities like these.

Volunteer As A Driver For Appointments

So many patients need a ride to their appointments. This is a great way to reach out to people you dont know or you can offer to drive a friend or family member to their appointment. Look online for volunteer driving opportunities so you can continue to support those in isolation.

Lend A Listening Ear For #NationalCancerDay

I have to say this might be the best give you can do on #NationalCancerDay. Listening is a skill and can help not only cancer patients but anyone who needs a bit of support. Just listen either on the phone, video or in person.

#NationalCancerDay is a good reminder that we need to include these gives through the year to friend, families and community members who are going through cancer treatments. It makes a big difference in their lives and makes their treatment a little bit easier. Your give can make a hard day a bit easier!

Remember those who administer the treatments in local clinics and hospitals. A give to doctors, nurses and personal support workers makes your #NationalCancerDay gives complete! Drop off thank you cards or some baked goods to a local cancer ward and see the smiles with the caregivers who makes wellness possible!

Check out more people gives you can put on your weekly giving list, a great strategy to remind yourself to give every day.

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)