When cancer impacts a family, whether it’s a child or an adult facing the diagnosis, life can feel overwhelming. Offering the right kind of help can truly make a difference, but knowing exactly how to support families during this time is key.

Here is a guide to supporting families facing cancer.

1. Organize a cancer support community
   Families often feel buried in tasks and responsibilities when a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment. One of the most effective ways to help is by organizing a cancer support community with friends, family members, or neighbors to handle specific tasks. Creating a cancer care team distributes the workload and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
   
   
2. Support cancer patients financially
   Let’s be real. Cancer is expensive. Whether it’s childhood cancer or an adult’s diagnosis, medical costs, travel expenses, and lost workdays can quickly drain a family’s resources. Monetary donations are incredibly helpful because they allow the family to use the funds where they need them most—whether it’s for treatment, everyday bills, or just keeping the lights on.
   
   If you are building a care team: Designate someone to manage donations or fundraising efforts, as financial strain can quickly add up with medical bills and lost income.
   
   
3. Provide meals or stock the kitchen
   When a family is caring for someone with cancer, preparing meals can feel like an impossible task. You can help by delivering fully cooked meals, stocking their fridge with easy-to-prepare options, or setting up a meal train. Gift cards to local grocery stores or food delivery services are another great way to lend a hand without adding more to their to-do list.
   
   If you are building a care team: Designate one person to handle coordinating meal deliveries and communicating dietary restrictions, preferences, etc. for the family.
   
   
4. Clean the house or hire a cleaner
   A clean home might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference for families facing cancer. Offer to clean the house, do laundry, or wash the dishes. If you have the means, hire a professional cleaning service for them. Keeping their home tidy helps reduce stress and allows the family to focus on what matters most — getting through treatment.
   
   
5. Take care of yardwork
   Yardwork can easily slip down the priority list when cancer treatment is underway. Offer to mow the lawn, rake leaves, shovel snow, or handle any other outdoor chores. This is one more way to reduce the family’s mental load and give them time to focus on their loved one.
   
   
6. Offer pet care
   Offer to care for the family’s pets—walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes, or boarding the animals—then it is one less thing they have to worry about.
   
   
7. Find childcare
   Providing care for siblings or children can be a huge support for families facing cancer, whether the patient is a child or an adult.
   
   
8. Send cards, emails, and texts—without expecting a response
   Sometimes, the most important support is emotional. Sending kind words through cards, emails, or texts can brighten a family’s day and let them know they aren’t alone. Just remember not to expect a reply—families may be overwhelmed, but your gesture will still mean a lot to them.

A gentle reminder: Avoid asking “What do you need?”

Asking “What do you need?” can feel overwhelming for families facing cancer. Instead of asking, look for needs you can meet. Whether it is sending over a meal, paying a bill, or offering to watch the kids, stepping in with specific help is often more meaningful. It shows that you care and are willing to help without burdening them with extra decisions.

The bottom line: Do not wait for them to ask - just jump in and help. You will make a difference.

Supporting families facing cancer, whether it’s childhood cancer or an adult diagnosis, can be as simple as offering money, food, or time. By taking the initiative to provide meaningful support, you can ease their burden and let them focus on what truly matters.