13 ways to help during Covid19

This epidemic has taught so many so much about life, it has open the eyes for people to better understand what the families with sick children go through.  Quarantine life is not new to cancer kids, they were already quarantine for months and some even years depending on the length on their treatment plan. Cancer patients are at a higher risk with Covid 19 now more than ever they are more delicate and it’s critical for them to be home. So How can you help them? Lets look at what you can do to help someone you know with a critically ill child as your safety is a priority as well.

Some are simple things that doesn’t look like much but it means the world to them, as Cancer has not stopped during this crisis.

#1}   PICK UP THE PHONE and Check on them.

Ask them how they are doing, Ask if they need something. A phone call goes a long a way, people are often too busy to even send a text until one day when things are too late.

#2}   Medication Pick up from a local pharmacy.

Some of these children are on several medication which are taken daily. They don’t all come from the same pharmacy, some medications come from specialty pharmacies in another town or two from the child’s home.

#3}  Supermarket

Going to the supermarket with a sick child is high risk, so if you are already headed to the market for yourself it takes nothing to help someone out and grab some things that they need.

#4}  Walk their Dogs

Some families have pets, they might need help walking the dog.

#5} Cut the Grass if you see it’s growing out of control.

If you see the grass growing out of control, help them by cutting it. Just because someone is home don’t assume they are just laying in bed doing nothing. Once you have a sick child there is always something to do.

#6}  Give them a gift card. 

Gift cards are easy, and most people shop on Amazon anyway, so they can get essentials or necessities they need but never ask for. Its the thought that counts.

#7} Surprise the child with some form of activity kit.

Kids love activities, they just love being loved and being remembered and also its cool getting something new. Cancer kids spend so much time alone/away from other children. They learn to play alone and do activities to stay busy.

#8}  Laundry

If you are a close friend or family member see if they need laundry done some don’t have a washing machine in their home. I can tell you with Zoefia I washed EVERY DAY, kids that get chemo sometimes puke a lot depending on treatment. We were fortunate to have washer/dryer but I know some families that don’t have that, Its difficult for them to bring a sick child to a laundromat.

#9}  Drop off a care package

Care packages are always great! It’s always nice to know that you’re thought of and the packages usually come at a time you least expected it and didn’t even know you needed it until you got it.

#10}  Set up a video play date for the child, if you have kids.

Cancer kids spend way too much time away from other kids, all they really want is to feel normal. So a video playmate is a great way to give them that sense of normalcy.

#11}  Drop off a Meal/Dinner 

Most caregivers don’t think about themselves, and honestly there is always something to do or plan, so not making dinner is nice treat at times.

#12}  Send a Letter or Postcard

Most only receive bills in the mail, so its’s nice to get a postcard or a letter with words of encouragement.  I was always an advocate of cards because it’s something to refer back to and look at when you need it most.

#13}  Say HELLO from the window

Window chats are popular with Covid19, so many have not seen family members in weeks.  So if you live near by stop by the window and say hello. As most people can see now from being quarantine a ‘HELLO’ and HOW ARE YOU’ Goes a LONG way!