Practical Ways to Support a Loved One with Cancer

In a previous post, I shared ideas for creating a blessing basket for someone facing cancer. As I researched gift ideas, I kept seeing another theme that deserved its own conversation. While blessing baskets can bring comfort —other thoughtful ways to care for people don’t fit inside a basket at all.

Delivered by the Heart, a ministry at our church in Topeka, beautifully illustrates this idea. Throughout the year, volunteers prepare freezer meals and create handcrafted cards, ready to be delivered, to offer support whenever a family in our church faces illness, surgery, or another difficult season.

It reminded me that encouragement isn’t limited to the gifts we give—it’s also found in the practical ways we serve. Sometimes it’s a meal, a ride to an appointment, or a simple text that says, “I’m praying for you today.” Those quiet acts of kindness often become the ones people remember most.

Giving the Gift of Service

When someone we love receives a cancer diagnosis, our first instinct is often to ask, “How can I help?”

One thing I learned is that instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” consider offering one specific way to help. It can even be written on a simple note or inside a card so they know your offer is genuine and doesn’t have to be remembered in the moment.

Here are just some practical things you can offer to do:

A home-cooked meal
Grocery pickup or delivery
Housecleaning service
Lawn care
Dog walking or pet sitting
Childcare
Transportation to treatments or doctor appointments
Pharmacy pickup
Running errands
Sitting with them during an infusion, if they’d like the company

Often, it’s these practical acts of kindness that people remember long after treatment is over.

woman seated at a desk writing out greeting cards

When You Can’t Be There

Not everyone lives nearby, and sometimes life simply doesn’t allow us to be physically present. That doesn’t mean you can’t encourage them from a distance.

Lately, I’ve started keeping a small basket filled with handmade cards, envelopes and stamps ready to use. When someone pops into my mind, I don’t want “I’ll do it later” turning into “I forgot.” Having everything in one place makes it easier to follow through.

A simple text that says, “Thinking of you today,” can brighten a difficult treatment day. You might even write several encouraging cards at once and mail one each week, reminding your loved one that they haven’t been forgotten.

Another thoughtful idea is creating a set of Open When letters. These are handwritten letters to open during specific moments, such as “Open when you need a good cry,” “Open when treatment feels especially hard,” or “Open when you’re celebrating good news.” Filled with memories, Scripture, prayers, or simple encouragement, they become a reminder that someone is walking beside them, even from a distance.

If your loved one enjoys writing, consider gifting them a journal. It offers a private place to process fears, celebrate victories, record answered prayers, or simply capture thoughts during an emotional season.

Small Things that Matter

If you’re delivering a meal, send a quick text beforehand that assures your friend that you are “dropping,” rather than expecting a visit. Many people appreciate a warm smile, a brief hello, and the freedom to return to resting without feeling they need to entertain.

Remember birthdays, treatment milestones, or scan days with a text message. Set reminders on your calendar so those important dates don’t slip by. And pray intentionally. Let your loved one know you’re praying for them, and when appropriate, share a specific Scripture or short prayer that encouraged your own heart.

The goal isn’t to do something elaborate. It’s simply to remind someone they are seen, loved, and not walking through this season alone.

What Changed My Perspective

I was recently reminded of Margaret Feinberg’s book Fight Back with Joy. After walking through breast cancer herself, Margaret shares honest insights into what patients often need most—not perfect words, but faithful presence, practical help, and reminders that they are not alone.

If you’ve ever wondered what to say, what to do, or how to walk alongside someone during cancer treatment, I highly recommend this book. It offers encouragement not only for those facing cancer but also for the family members and friends who want to love them well.

You can purchase it on Amazon here.

Don’t Miss This

Whether your encouragement comes through a meal, a handwritten card, a ride to an appointment, or a simple prayer, remember that love is rarely measured by the size of the gift. More often, it’s remembered because someone chose to show up. Those quiet acts of kindness may seem small in the moment, but they have a way of reminding people they are deeply loved and never walking alone.

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Photos were created by AI to help illustrate the content. They do not represent any real person, place or product.