A local family who we are close friends with has just has two family members diagnosed with cancer and leukemia. I know they will be spending lots of time at the hospital, and would like to make a sort of "care package" basket full of things that they will need or may come in handy. Some things they can just "grab and go" to take to the hospital which would be helpful to the family. I was thinking lotion, hand sanitizer (lots of miniature size things), hair brushes, combs, little toothbrushes, mini toothpaste, deodorant maybe?, crackers, advil, tylenol, candy bars, mini chip bags, gum, breath mints, etc. I would like to know what any of you who have had personal experience with this would suggest. ALL SUGGESTIONS WELCOME!!! Please help me, I would like to make this soon!
2007-10-31 05:51:52 · 11 answers · asked by Randy 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Find out what they like like puzzles or dvd's and make up a fun care package. If they like puzzles go to Discovery.com and on this site you can personalize puzzles for them.
I would also suggest on occasion send them posters (letter size) to cheer them up full of jokes and inspirational quotes! It is there to give them hope and many times just a word or two can be a movitator to feel hopeful.
2007-10-31 05:57:21 · answer #1 · answered by juyish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a blessing you are. I have been back and forth to the hospital with my husband for chemo, but the last time we ended up spending 3 months. I have learned to have boxes and bags ready to go at any time, but didn't expect to stay this long. God bless people like you and the Dollar Bill stores!
All of the things that you mentioned are great, but here are a few other possibilities.
Quarters - if they end up having to stay for any length of time, with small containers of laundry detergent can be a life saver.
Gift cards for food....could be fast food places, Panera, Olive Garden, etc. Hospital food gets boring fast! You can often get gift cards to the hospital cafeteria too. I would have appreciated that as money became tighter and tighter. American Express cards, Visa cards, etc. can be a godsend!
Magazines, paperback books, even ones you have around the house. Cards, small travel games help. Tuck a book of humor in because sometimes it is the only thing that breaks the tension and sadness. If they are are spiritual books with daily prayers, meditations, etc. can be helpful.
Toothbrushes and toothpaste and basic toiletries are useful, but skip the hand sanitizer....it will be in every room. Sleep masks can be useful.
And calls - check it with them...let them know your prayers and thoughts are with them. I cannot tell you how many times these calls came when I most needed them. Visits help. One friend even brought a home-made coffee cake, with pretty paper plates and napkins. The patient will be cared for, the care-takers need taking care of. Put a note in the basket letting your friends know they can call upon you if they need something picked up, etc. even if it is clean underwear or socks.
Get others together to help you help your friends so you don't burn out. Holding others up can be wearisome too.
What a good, kind and thoughtful person you are. Your friends are lucky and I am sure will appreciate everything that you do to ease their pain.
2007-10-31 23:01:13 · answer #2 · answered by dddanse 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How old are the pacients?
If you want to send a care package for the caregivers, I have no idea..I think gas money and money for miscellaneous expenses would be a lot of help. You have no idea how the costs pile up, even though treatments are covered by insurance...the transporation, the food, TV & internet in the patients' room (because they get BORED, you have noooo idea and the TV/internet which most of us take as a given at home, are very expensive)....pijamas, comfortable clothing for patients, room decorations..all these add up.
Forget the advil, tylenol (be careful about deodorant, perfumes, lotions with aluminum, parabens and other chemicals -they're linked to cancers).
I'd say a care package targeting the caregivers AND patients would inculde some money to allow them to watch some TV, a gas card, gift cards at nearby food places or stores, some toys (if one of the pacients is a child), books, lots of magazines to pass the time, room decorations (Thanksgiving, Christmas stuff if they may be in the hospital then), cards, games, DVDs, CDs, candy (but be careful, there may be diet restrictions)......
Also maybe for the patients some nice PJs or a hoodie or sports pants to wear around the hallways or some slippers (patients are encouraged to get out of the rooms and walk a bit in the hallways and they're tired of the hospital robes, they need cheerful, normal clothing), cute socks etc..
Best wishes to you all! You are nice friends and you have no idea how much your money/gift basket will mean to them and the patients.
***some leukemia patients, b/c the chemo destroys their immune systems, are not allowed fresh flowers or fruit/veggies in the room, be careful abt that:) Also be careful of toys and cosmetics with lead!
2007-10-31 15:14:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a fantastic idea, your friends have a lot to be thankful for, with you being so thoughtful. My son was in the hospital the first weeks of his life, and my husband and I were there all the time. I would include gift certificates to different restaurants nearby the hospital, so family members who are there care taking can leave and comeback quickly.
2007-10-31 13:55:55 · answer #4 · answered by Katlynnelore 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
books or magazines to read during treatment, and macadamian nuts. Macadamian nuts have laetrille which can help cancer patients. Sudoku puzzles would be good.
I hope they will not have to be at the hospital for long and will soon be well.
2007-10-31 13:11:36 · answer #5 · answered by yourdoneandover 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tissues...cereal bars..snacks...reading materials...
It sounds like you've covered basically everything in your list...
It is a nice thing to do...God smiles on people like you....too bad there are so few of these kind of people like you...I am sure this family will be ever so grateful.
2007-10-31 12:57:37 · answer #6 · answered by Doodlebug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids need toys and games; dolls and small truck items. Give it in a basket. Ask what is it that they made need? Books and coloring books.
2007-10-31 13:04:11 · answer #7 · answered by bonnie w 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Also be mindful that he may change his demeanor too. My daughter goes through that every once in a while now more often. Be supportive of that.
2007-10-31 17:55:32 · answer #8 · answered by nbscorpio3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a nice gift shop at:
http://www.choosehope.com
Best wishes
2007-10-31 14:08:41 · answer #9 · answered by Char 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
puzzle books, and small books of reading materials- not long stories.
2007-11-04 09:53:22 · answer #10 · answered by Donna M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋