Finding the right words and actions to support someone battling cancer can be challenging. Beyond practical items like peppermint candies for nausea or moisturizing cream for skin irritation, many seek more meaningful ways to show they care. To truly understand what resonates with cancer patients, we turned to the experts: cancer survivors themselves. We asked 16 individuals to share the gifts that meant the most to them during their cancer journey. Their insights offer a powerful guide to selecting gifts that provide comfort, encouragement, and practical help.
Gifts that Inspire and Uplift
Words of encouragement and reminders of strength can be incredibly powerful during cancer treatment. For Dr. Connie Porter, a breast cancer survivor, a plaque from students served as a vital source of motivation. “It read, ‘Always remember you are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and loved more than you know.’ Something about it just spoke bravery into me,” she recalls. This highlights the impact of gifts that offer visual affirmations of resilience.
Nicole Body, a sarcoma survivor, received a bronze key inscribed with “COURAGE” from a college roommate. “I wore it every day,” Nicole shares. “I drew strength from it until I was declared cancer-free.” This symbolic gift provided tangible support and a reminder of inner strength throughout her treatment.
Books offering solace and wisdom can also be deeply impactful. Dr. Julie Hildebrand, a four-time cancer survivor, found solace in “The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu during her leukemia treatment. “Reading about the struggles and paths to wisdom of two great spiritual leaders helped me live with joy during my own adversity,” she explains. Such gifts provide an escape and a source of strength through shared human experiences.
The Gift of Time, Presence, and Practical Support
Cancer treatment often requires significant logistical and emotional support. Linda Thomas, a granular cell carcinoma survivor, emphasizes the importance of companionship during treatment far from home. “We set up a calendar and rotated people through my little temporary apartment over that entire summer,” Linda says. “Having company was really important, because otherwise, I would have been all alone.” The gift of presence and time can alleviate loneliness and provide crucial emotional support.
Dorcas Powell, an inflammatory breast cancer survivor, experienced extraordinary support from her son. “He immediately quit his job… and left his now fiancée at home,” Dorcas recounts. Her son’s unwavering presence ensured she never missed an appointment, even during challenging circumstances. This illustrates how offering practical help, such as transportation and caregiving, can be invaluable gifts for cancer survivors.
Easing Burdens with Prepared Meals
The fatigue and side effects of cancer treatment can make everyday tasks, like cooking, overwhelming. Angela Hernandez, an ovarian cancer survivor, highlights the relief provided by prepared meals. “They signed us up with a local service to have healthy meals delivered twice a week,” Angela explains about her in-laws’ thoughtful gift. “Neither my husband nor I had the energy to cook. So, that really allowed us to relax and unwind.” Gifts that alleviate daily burdens can significantly reduce stress for cancer survivors and their families.
Reneata Benjamin, a pancreatic cancer survivor, was deeply touched by the meal support from her colleagues. “The teachers and staff at my elementary school prepared dinner for me and my family for over a month,” Reneata marvels. This act of community support ensured her family was cared for while she focused on her treatment and recovery.
Heartfelt Handmade Gifts and Greetings
Personalized, handmade gifts carry a special emotional weight. Herman Connor, a kidney cancer survivor, cherished a handmade Christmas card from his niece. “She thanked me for supporting her and always encouraging her to do her best,” Herman says. The personal effort and heartfelt message behind handmade items resonate deeply.
Steven Champagne, a multiple myeloma survivor, received inspirational cards with handwritten scriptures from a friend. “She handwrote uplifting scriptures on them in beautiful calligraphy, then mailed them to me,” Steven shares. These thoughtful greetings provided spiritual comfort and a tangible reminder of support during his treatment.
Comfort and Cozy Gifts
Comfort becomes paramount during cancer treatment. Mark Teague, a throat cancer survivor, treasured a custom-made blanket with his family’s names on it. “It kept me warm while I was receiving chemo, because sometimes the infusion rooms were very cold,” Mark explains. “And seeing all those names written out made me feel like my family was right there with me.” Gifts that provide physical comfort and a sense of security can be incredibly comforting.
Cynthia Sanchez, a thymoma survivor, echoed the importance of comfort. “A gentle rub on the back or the soft touch of a blanket was what did it for me,” Cynthia says. She received a plush sherpa throw that brought her great comfort during chemo sessions. Soft blankets and throws offer warmth and a sense of nurturing during challenging times.
Carrington Marzett, a childhood leukemia survivor, appreciated comfortable headwear after hair loss. “I loved receiving new hats and bandanas after I lost my hair,” Carrington recalls. Comfortable and stylish hats and bandanas can help cancer survivors feel more confident and comfortable during and after treatment.
Unexpected and Joyful Surprises
Sometimes the most memorable gifts are those that are completely unexpected and bring pure joy. Gretchen Lee Herrera, a breast cancer survivor, received cash specifically designated for a non-essential treat. “It was rodeo season here in Houston, so I treated myself to my first real pair of cowboy boots,” Gretchen shares. This unexpected gift brought immense joy and created lasting positive memories.
Sabrina Dominguez, a medulloblastoma survivor, received a personalized video message from her favorite band. “It was even more special because the band was breaking up, and they recorded it on the last night of their farewell tour,” Sabrina recounts. This extraordinary and personalized gift was beyond her wildest dreams, demonstrating the profound impact of truly unexpected gestures.
These stories from cancer survivors highlight that the best gifts are often those that are thoughtful, personal, and address their emotional and practical needs. Whether it’s a heartfelt message, a helping hand, a comforting item, or a joyful surprise, the most meaningful gifts for cancer survivors are those that convey love, support, and understanding during their journey.
