This article was originally written for the Cancer Survivors' Network by Bonnie Bajorek Daneker, and will be printed in the group's upcoming Newsletter.
The Cancer Survivors' Network is a wonderful organization that provides information and support for cancer patients ("survivors") and their families through Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. The program's Coordinator is Sarah Penna, and you can visit their website here. You may find support through the group even if you don't live in the metro Atlanta area.

We mark our holidays with special food and drink. We sing songs, don seasonal attire, and decorate our homes. We follow old customs and start new traditions.

Health issues – yours or a loved one’s – can crimp or eliminate these activities, making the holidays hard to bear. Long-term survivors and caregivers know first-hand it’s not easy. We can remember what it was like to be worn out and sleep-deprived, not experiencing the joy of the season. That memory, though, should encourage us to make it easier for someone else.
In this Time of Giving, you can help another survivor or caregiver, especially those who are newly diagnosed:

-        Pick them up a peppy CD with holiday oldies but goodies
-        Deliver a “home care package” of bells, tinsel, and snowflakes, and help them decorate
-        Rake leaves or shovel snow. If you know them well, help get the house “winterized”
-        Take them out for caroling 
-        Bring over holiday appetizers, desserts or beverages
-        Call ahead and visit. Everyone needs some positive reinforcement. If you’re out of words, hug them.
-        Offer to shop for gifts or groceries
-        Create a coupon, “Good For More Help.” Just write out words on a piece of paper and be as creative as you want.

Sometimes people need permission to ask for help but you know they’ll need it. The season of giving is here for a reason – to remind us to give. Here’s your chance.

• Hospital or Local Clinic - for patient advocacy issues
• House of Worship - counseling from priest, minister or other spiritual leader
• Local Newspaper - for service listings for patients and caregivers
• Medical Specialists - for information on illness or treatments
• Mental Health Professional - for individual counseling
• Pharmacists - for advice on choices, side effects or interactions of prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Public Library - for internet access and for information on illness or treatments
• Senior Groups, Women's or Men's Service Groups - patient and caregiver services like support groups, transportation, and meal preparation
• Social Worker - for patient advocacy or individual counseling, help with medical paperwork and financial concerns.