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Helping

Among the goals at CaringBridge is to close the gap between those who need help but hesitate to ask, and those who wish to help, but don’t know what’s helpful.

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What to do
15 Examples of Giving Back to the Community: Ideas to Consider
As the giving season approaches, many of us feel inspired to find ways to give back to our communities. People often give support to those in need, donate to a good cause, or simply perform small acts of kindness for those they love. Giving back not
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What to do
Offering Help Without Being Asked: A Supportive Guide
It’s hard to watch someone you care about go through a difficult journey. Maybe your loved one is navigating a terminal illness, grieving a loss, or taking care of someone in need.  The experience can leave you feeling unsure about how best to suppor
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What to say
What to Say When There are No Words
Moments in life can render us speechless. We struggle to find words of comfort when  life-changing, life-threatening, or traumatic things happen to family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Don't be hard on yourself if you fumble when trying to comfo
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Additional articles

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How to Tell Someone You Have a Chronic Illness
Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can be a profound and life-altering experience. Whether it’s a condition like Crohn’s disease, diabetes, or cancer, you might be feeling a mix of emotions—from fear and uncertainty to relief at finally having ans
Woman with cancer lies in bed and stares out window
How to Support Someone Going Through Chemo
When someone you care about begins chemotherapy, it’s natural to want to help. But where do you start? You may feel a strong desire to support them, but figuring out exactly how to do that can be overwhelming.  Each person's experience with cancer is
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How to Announce a Terminal Illness
For many, receiving a terminal diagnosis is one of the most challenging moments in life. It's an incredibly personal journey, and figuring out how to share the news can feel overwhelming.  It's important to remember that there’s no right or wrong way
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8 Things You Should Never Say to Patients or Caregivers
We’ve all been in this situation before: A loved one is struggling with illness or grief, and we completely fumble for the right words to say, or possibly say nothing at all. It can be disorienting to watch someone you love go through hardship. No o
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Navigating a New Normal: 9 Tips for Living With a Terminal Illness
Finding out you have a terminal illness can feel like your world is turned upside down. It’s a deeply personal experience. It can come with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, such as shock and disbelief, or it can make you feel numb.  No two experi
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The Day I was Diagnosed with Cancer: Real Experiences & Tips
We spoke with cancer survivor and long-time CaringBridge user Stephanie Kennelly to create this article. You can hear her speak about her journey and the work she has done to support the cancer community in Minnesota Oncology’s video. We are thankful
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How to Cope With Anticipatory Grief
Caring for a loved one facing the end of life can bring up many emotions. At times, it could feel like a privilege, while at others it could feel like a heavy burden. You may grapple with deep, complex feelings as you envision a future without your l
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9 ways to honor a loved one who has passed
When we asked families who have used CaringBridge to share ways they honor the memories of their loved ones, among the most touching was from Kat Schilling. On the anniversary of losing her 16-year-old son, Zach, to cancer, Kat used her income tax re