How can we help?

Question

I used to work at a grocery store, and there was this great lady that worked there. She was always so kind and sweet to everyone and was a great listener. I do not work there anymore, but found out through a friend that she has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. The woman is very poor and has no family....her mother died a couple years ago, and she was never married. I feel so compelled to help her out, since she was always so available to help us out. What can be done? I'm not sure where to start. Thanks.

Answer 1

Call and visit her to see how you can help. You need to see what she would be open to. The American Cancer Society may have people who could advise you. Also a social worker at a hospital knows about community resources. They are used to getting calls. They can be very helpful.

Answer 2

Firstly I would find out where she lives and then give her a call. Then you could organise a collection for her through the grocery store where she used to work, send her some flowers and a card and then take it from there. Some people can be very proud and don't like excepting charity. So it has to be done sympathetically. Maybe you could do fund raising either through a car boot sale or disco etc. Or organise coffee mornings to raise some cash. I think the important thing is to let her know people are thinking about her and she's not forgotten.

Hope these ideas help and what a kind thought you've had. Good luck and let's hope all goes well your this lady. ;) x

Answer 3

All of the answers are good ones, Start by calling,see how she's feeling.Get together with others who feel as you do about her but before you throw a party,make sure she's up to one now. Ask if you can take her to treatments,this is where the others can help. If you are unable to take her due to your work schedule,maybe one of the others will be available that day.Take her meals on rotating basis. If she's able,take her out to lunch and short shopping trips. Take magazines or books to her. Check out American Cancer Society.com. They can give you more info. Most hospitals will have the social workers help the patient with info and contact numbers but if you've ever been told you have cancer you know you don't hear much after that.Your mind goes numb and nothing else stays with you. If you are well informed you can help her with details. If she will allow you and the others,go with her to the doctor so you can listen to his instructions and then repeat them to her. Find out what questions she has before the visit because 90% of the patients will forget them once they are in the office and the doctor starts asking his questions. If she recieves chemo,this memory problem will worsen. You are taking on a lot but thank God for people like you. It is a big thing you are doing.It won't be easy but I think you will find it very rewarding.Good luck

Answer 4

ok look , I try not to make this very lengthy . In case if it is 2 lengthy , forgive me .
ok look ,t his kind lady is maybe lonely and has no family or loved ones to support her , so she must be scared from the trauma she is experiencing. So . what she needs is support and will power. I am sure there are many like you who wants to help her. You all can gather together and cheer up the lady.u can also throw a surprise party to show ur gratitude towards her and that really would make her really happy and and give her a reason to fight the cancer.Spend time with her and give her all the emotional support she needs.

do be a great listener like her in case she wants to tal about her feelings and sadness.

Since she is very poor , you all can contribute some money to help her financially. There are many organisations which help poor and needy people suffering from cancer.check out those.also try the churches.

there is a good book u can gift her - " Chicken soup for survivor's souls " which contains inspiring stories written by people who suffered from cancer.

you can also check out this website - http://www.patientadvocate.org/

NOTE - please tell her that Cancer does not always mean death and will power can alone defeat cancer

i hope i really helped ( and not bored you)

Answer 5

How about starting with a phone call? Then take it to the next level, perhaps a visit to her? Bring a small dish or a meal. Ask her to tag along with you on an errand, if nothing else just to get her out of the house. I'm sure you can imagine how scared & lonely she must feel having to go through cancer with no family or loved ones. Even if you just sit and watch tv, or enjoy each others company would make a world of difference in her life. Good luck to you