Is someone in your life going through ovarian cancer? This blog post shares four ideas for ovarian cancer gifts that show your love and support during this difficult time.
An ovarian cancer diagnosis, and the treatment that follows, can take both an emotional and physical toll on a woman. Treatment depends on the type of ovarian cancer and its stage. Most women, however, face some type of surgery to remove the tumor. In addition, ovarian cancer patients may undergo radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or immunotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Emotionally, an ovarian cancer diagnosis can bring fear, anxiety, loneliness, anger, frustration and more. This is all to say — a gift to express your love and support is in order!
What to Give Someone Who Has Been Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
I’ve selected four gifts show support for ovarian cancer patients that range in cost and effort. I hope you find this list helpful.
1. Ovarian Cancer Support Quilt. Wrap her in encouragement and love through her treatment with a custom made quilt from Quiltlove. Her quilt can be made in shades of teal to represent ovarian cancer awareness (see below), or in any colors you wish, to brighten her day.
Invite friends, family and other members of her support squad to complete squares for a one of a kind quilt. Squares can contain everything from drawings and handwritten notes, to prayers, to family photos of fun or memorable times. The sky is the limit! She will be reminded of your love when she snuggles under a blanket of personalized squares. In addition, the quilt’s cozy sherpa backing will keep her comfortable and warm in cold infusion rooms.
2. Meal Support. Help nourish her (and her family!) with a healthy meal. This can either be coordinated with other members of her support squad through a service like Take Them a Meal, or simply provided on your own.
MD Anderson employee and ovarian cancer survivor Angela Hernandez explains, “My in-laws really wanted to show their support, but they live out of state. So, they signed us up with a local service to have healthy meals delivered twice a week. Neither my husband nor I had the energy to cook. So, that really allowed us to relax and unwind at the end of each day. It’s amazing how just having that one meal taken care of could relieve so much stress.”
3. Personal Calls, Messages and Texts. Check in with her (or a family member) about the best way to communicate, and then follow through on a regular basis. Making a call, visiting when appropriate, or sending a text message is a simple, free and loving way to help remind her that she is not alone. It can also help break up her long, difficult days, whether she is actively in treatment, awaiting results, recovering, or otherwise navigating her current situation. Whether you laugh, cry, vent or simply catch up on the latest cancer (or non-cancer!) happenings, you will both be glad you did it together.
4. Team Teal Solidarity. Help raise public awareness about the need for further scientific research and much needed funds by teaming up with an organization such as the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). Join a walk or other event and show your solidarity with Team Teal.
The NOCC is one of many amazing nonprofits supporting ovarian cancer fundraising and research. I encourage you to research a bit about different organizations on Charity Navigator or Guidestar before partnering up!
About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries, which then multiply and destroy healthy body tissue. Unfortunately, most early ovarian tumors are difficult or impossible to feel through pelvic exams and screening tests remain unreliable. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States every year.
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Let’s not wait until fall to show loved ones facing this terrible disease our support.
Are you an ovarian cancer survivor? What was your experience like? What would you add to this blog post? I would love to hear from you.
As always, thanks for reading.
Warmly,
