September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. When a child you know is diagnosed with cancer, it can be so hard to know how to help and support them and their family. This is true for any cancer patient, but can be especially true for a child. Below are 5 ways to support a child and their family through cancer treatment.

The main takeaway? Show up for them. Let them know you are on their mind and in their heart. This type of devastating news can be isolating and lonely. Stay beside them and make sure they know you are there with them on this journey. 

1. Send a thoughtful care package to the whole family

Gifting is our love language, so we always think of sending gifts first. But let that gift be useful, not only thoughtful and beautiful. We love this collection of gifts, selected to soothe, comfort and inspire.

A cozy blanket wraps them up in a hug, whether they're at home or in the hospital. A sweet teddy bear gives them something small and cuddly to remind them of you and hold during scary times. Kids are kids and need to play, even if they are battling cancer. These activity toys make great gifts for younger kids providing entertainment with little mess and giving their imagination a chance to run wild even if their bodies can't. Top it all off with our ever-popular Cup of Love tea, a treat and sweet sentiment for the whole family. 

You can shop our full Kids collection here. 

2. Organize a meal train

Especially if the child is recently diagnosed, the new schedule of doctors appointments and hospital visits throws a family's schedule into total chaos. Organize a meal train for the family, giving them one less thing to worry and think about as they get used to this scary new normal. 

3. Offer to help with other household chores

The minutia of household chores is overwhelming enough when everyone is healthy and thriving, let alone when a child has cancer. Offer to help weekly with laundry or dishes or dog walking to take something off the family's plate. You can even offer to help out with siblings and carpool/school drop offs and pick ups.

4. Fundraise!

Fundraising can be a great way to show support for the family. Whatever you like doing, there are many ways you can help raise money for children and young people with cancer. From running events and coffee mornings, to raising vital funds through schools, there is something for everyone.

And while this may not impact the family directly, it's sending them a clear signal that you've got their back and wanting to support them. 

5. Show Up

As mentioned earlier, the most important thing you can do for a child and family dealing with cancer, is showing up for them. Call, text, visit them, depending on what is most appropriate for your relationship. Let them know you are there for them. Offer to help in specific ways, not open-ended. Check in often. Let them know they are not in this fight alone.