This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Giving Comfort blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
As some of you may know, a family member of mine was recently diagnosed with cancer. It has been a few months now, and we are still at a point where she does not want to talk about it...which means that I still do not know which kind of cancer it is, or how far the cancer has progressed - or how much time they have with us.
As crazy as it sounds, the not knowing is even worse than the fact that she has cancer. Watching her struggle with a myriad of health problems over the past few years: bleeding, clots forming in her legs, having to undergo surgery to place a stint in her leg, blood transfusions - it has been a really difficult period of time for her, and it's likely to get much, much worse.
I'm fortunate enough that I have never had cancer myself, but from my experiences with friends and family in the past, I know enough about it to know that it is HORRIBLE.
Being that I can't really talk to her about what she's going through, the only thing I can do is try to comfort her in other ways: tell her I love her, visit her with Chris and Angeline and just show her that we care about her.
Did you know that more than a million people will be diagnosed in the United States this year? If you think about the current economic state of the nation, it's understandable that many cancer patients are struggling through treatment, and the horrible side effects of chemotherapy and the like. On top of their high medical bills, many cancer patients are unable to afford items that might make treatment more comfortable.
Giving Comfort, a nonprofit program of the McKesson Foundation, provides patients in need with Comfort Kits.
About Giving Comfort
Giving Comfort, a nonprofit program of the McKesson Foundation, fights cancer with comfort. Working with healthcare partners across the U.S., they help provide cancer patients with Comfort Kits. Filled with soothing and useful items, Comfort Kits reach patients at their time of greatest need – during cancer treatment. One hundred percent of individual donations to Giving Comfort go directly to providing Comfort Kits to patients. Founded in 2012, Giving Comfort has already distributed more than 14,000 Comfort Kits in 33 states. To learn more, visit them at www.givingcomfort.org.
What are Comfort Kits?
Giving Comfort has created such a unique product! Comfort Kits are care packages for cancer patients, and they are full of items that do just that: give comfort. While patients can receive Comfort Kits through a network of partners, like cancer treatment centers, hospitality houses, and support communities, you can also purchase them for a friend or family member through Giving Comfort's e-store. All proceeds from Comfort Kit purchases go towards those in need!
The Thinking of You Comfort Kit retails for $50.00, and includes a soft, fluffy blanket, a infusion water bottle, lip balm, a Courage Journal, a Get Happy Tea Tin, and a relaxation CD.
While the Thinking of You Comfort Kit is aimed towards Cancer patients, I really think it would make for a thoughtful gift for someone struggling with ANY illness.
You can find out more about Giving Comfort in this YouTube video!
There are Giving Comfort Care Kits for every person, in every budget!
I chose the Thinking of You Comfort Kit, which sells for just $50, but there are more elaborate kits that sell for up to $100 as well.
There's even a Comfort Kit for caregivers!
For even more information about Giving Comfort and how their Comfort Kits work, check out the Giving Comfort website.
You can also follow Giving Comfort on social media to keep up with the comfort spread by their Comfort Kits!
Follow Giving Comfort on Twitter
Giving Comfort on Pinterest
Giving Comfort’s Youtube Channel
You can LIKE the Giving Comfort Facebook page here!
Do you know someone who is struggling with Cancer? These Giving Comfort Comfort Kits can make a huge difference in someone's day, and the proceeds go to help even more people!
Theresa
This is probably the sweetest thing I've read about all day and so thoughtful. I will be praying for your family member.
Colleen
Hugs for your family and your family member. This is such a caring and loving idea. There are so many "in a box" programs but this is one of the best by far!
Penelope (NYC Blogger)
Those kits look lovely, I hope they really do offer comfort to someone going through this.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie}
These are great sometimes families are so over whelmed during these times, that it's hard to think of everything.
Ty
This is such a beautiful and sweet idea and it looks really comforting for those who need a little pick me up.
Shell Feis
That is such a great idea for a product. I wish I would have known about this when my grandma was going through treatment for her cancer. {She is in remission, fortunately.} I hope that your family member knows how loved she is &that all goes well for her.
Marcie W.
What a wonderful way to show love and support. I have had a few people in my life that have been diagnosed with cancer. One sadly passed away but thankfully the others are all in remission now. This kit would have been great for each of them during their fight.
Kathleen
This is such a sweet idea, and kind of perfect. I am glad there is a way for us to give them a little bit of comfort.
HilLesha
This is a thoughtful and lovely idea for anyone who is struggling with cancer.
courtney
What a beautiful gift to give. I really love this!
Leilani
We just found out one of our friend's mom's cancer came back. I'll have to send her a comfort kit.
Angela
This is an incredibly thoughtful gift for someone struggling with such a horrible illness.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
These are such lovely gift ideas!
Crystal
What a great gift idea. Cancer has never hit home for me but I'll get this in mind when I know of others struggling.