All of us have been touched by cancer. When you are far away from the person you know that has it, you feel useless. If you lived close, you could bring meals, lie on the bed with them and tell funny stories and chat or just be quiet (that wouldn’t be the job for me). You could help with their kids or take care of errands etc. Both of my college roommates have had breast cancer. Both lived in different states than me. I wished, while each was going through their treatment, that I was closer.

Another friend of mine, Michele, whose husband died from leukemia, told me about a group called Chemo Angels. This group is designed to support cancer patients through their treatment by sending  cards and small gifts. You commit to writing or contacting them at least once a week. When he/she finishes their treatment, the patient lets the admins at the Chemo Angels know and you get a note to say your patient has finished the program. During the course of your assignment, you get updates on their progress. Without fail, every patient has said how much they appreciate knowing someone is thinking about them and sending caring thoughts their way. I think it is a great program and I’m currently on my 6^th assignment.

It can be a bit awkward writing to someone you don’t know and who is under no obligation to write back. But, it I figure that everyone loves mail (except bills) and if I can make someone’s day letting them know I was thinking about them, that’s great. I try to write my patient twice a week.  My friend Ivette puts up a Hump Day joke each Wednesday. A lot of times I’ll share that as part of my note. Sometimes I just write about what’s going on in my life (there is always something humorous there) or if I know they have a special interest like a sport, will write about that. The Chemo Angels have a great section on their website to help you get started.

If you have an interest in getting involved, please read about the program at their website http://chemoangels.wix.com/chemo-angels-1   You really won’t regret getting involved.

Today from my IPod, I’ve chosen a newer song (yes, composed after the 1980’s) “Welcome Yourself” by Amy Grant. She wrote the song with her friend Beth Nielsen Chapman, a cancer survivor. Proceeds from the song supposed cancer research.