A comprehensive guide to the best and worst gifts for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, their family, and cancer carers, with insights on preserving legacies and creating family heirlooms.
The Importance of Legacy and Emotional Support
Finding the right gift for someone who has cancer, as well as for their families and cancer carers, can be a daunting task, especially when they are currently receiving chemo therapy treatment. It's not just about the physical comfort, but also about emotional support and preserving one's legacy. As we explore gift ideas, we'll also delve into the concept of legacy meaning and how these gifts can contribute to a person's life story and emotional inheritance.
Before we dive into the gift ideas, let's consider some legacy quotes to set the tone:
- "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." - Billy Graham
- "Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." - Shannon L. Alder
These quotes remind us that our legacy is about the impact we have on others and the stories we leave behind. Now, let's explore gifts that can help cancer patients and their loved ones create lasting memories and preserve their legacies.
Top 10 Best Gifts for Cancer Patients undergoing Chemo Therapy
- Digital Photo Frame A digital photo frame serves as a beautiful way to combat loneliness, often felt by terminally ill patients. These frames can be loaded with photographs of family and friends, allowing the patient to feel connected to their loved ones at all times. As memories are displayed, they can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, presenting opportunities for storytelling amongst family members who visit. This gift can become a cherished family heirloom, preserving memories for generations to come.
- Cosy Blankets Warmth is crucial for those experiencing serious illnesses, as patients frequently find themselves feeling chilled. A soft, oversized blanket not only provides physical warmth but also offers a psychological sense of comfort reminiscent of childhood security. With an extensive selection of colours and designs, families can choose a blanket that suits their loved one's personality, further personalising the gift. A cosy blanket can be an excellent gift for parents undergoing treatment, offering comfort during difficult times.
- Your Time and Presence Undoubtedly, one of the most valuable gifts of all is simply being present. Providing emotional support rather than tangible gifts can create an environment of love and togetherness, ensuring that individuals facing terminal illness do not feel isolated. Powerful connections flourished through shared moments, conversations, and fond reminiscences can also lay a foundation for healing for the family left behind. Your presence can be a crucial part of end-of-life care plans, offering comfort and support when it's needed most.
- A Concert Experience For music lovers, attending a concert can be a memorable experience, especially if it features a beloved band or artist. By accommodating needs for accessibility, family members can create an outing that affirms life and fosters joy in a time of transition. Concerts present an opportunity to check an item off the bucket list while creating a shared memory that can last a lifetime. This experience can become part of your loved one's life story, a cherished memory that contributes to their legacy.
- A Visit from a Pet The companionship of a pet can significantly uplift the spirits of terminally ill patients. If the patient misses their furry friend, arrangements can be made for a visit, or therapy animals may be available through local shelters or hospitals. Research has shown that animal companionship can alleviate anxiety, lower blood pressure, and uplift mood. Such bonding moments can provide a source of joy and comfort during challenging times, contributing to the emotional inheritance left for loved ones.
- Photo Engraved Jewellery Photo-engraved jewellery serves as a tangible reminder of loved ones, translating cherished images into timeless keepsakes. With the ability to personalise items like bracelets or pendants, families can create a portable memorial that can be carried with them, allowing the person to keep memories close at heart. Such a gift encapsulates the essence of lasting love and connection, becoming a family heirloom that carries the legacy of the wearer.
- Creative Art Opportunities Encouraging a terminally ill loved one to paint or draw can provide a therapeutic outlet. Arranging a creative session at a local art studio can serve as a bonding experience while fostering artistic expression. Creating art together helps to solidify relationships and build meaningful memories that can be reminisced upon later, allowing family ties to flourish amidst sorrow. The artwork created can become a treasured family heirloom, a tangible representation of your loved one's legacy.
- Bucket List Activities People often have a bucket list filled with dreams and aspirations. Going through this list with your loved one and finding ways to help them achieve one or more of these goals can be a deeply fulfilling gift. Whether it's a simple outing or a grand adventure, these activities foster joy and connection and create potent lasting memories amidst the heaviness of impending loss. Completing bucket list items can be a powerful way to ensure that your legacy will live on through the experiences shared and memories created.
- Engaging Entertainment For those who may not be able to converse easily, bringing entertainment options such as movies, puzzles, or books can help alleviate boredom and loneliness. Having something to occupy their time can spark joy and provide respite during difficult periods. Engaging the mind through activities can enhance their quality of life and stimulate meaningful interactions with family members. These shared experiences contribute to the emotional inheritance left for loved ones.
- Evaheld Legacy vault Gifting an Evaheld Legacy Vault is an easy, enjoyable and secure way to empower someone to preserve and share their personal and family voice, story and legacy!
An Evaheld Legacy vault
Gifting an Evaheld Legacy Vault is an easy, enjoyable and secure way to empower someone to preserve and share their personal and family voice, story and legacy!
Evaheld empowers people to future-proof their voice for better care and well-being, as well as preserve and share their story and legacy with loved ones and future generations, with one all-inclusive Evaheld Legacy Vault that supports them to complete all their Legacy and Advance Care Planning.
Gifting an Evaheld Legacy Vault is an easy, enjoyable and secure way to empower someone to preserve and share their personal and family voice, story and legacy! And with twelve comprehensive categories that cover over 120 different content types, they will have the confidence to confidently create a family heirloom of true value for their loved ones and future generations.
What people secure in an Evaheld Legacy Vault
1. Family History & Legacy
2. Life Story, Memoir & Personal Truths
3. Preserve a Deceased Loved One's Memory & Legacy
4. Messages for Milestone Occasions
5. Legacy Letters & Legacy Statements
6. Life Lessons, Advice, Wisdom
7. Love, Appreciation & Encouragement
8. Future Generations
9. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
10. Funeral Preferences & Messages
11. Digital & Accessible Advance Care Directive
12. Health & Care Preferences
Learn more about Evaheld Legacy Vaults!
With Evaheld, people are supported through the entire creation process, with the world’s most comprehensive suite of content types and in-browser video, audio and written content creation (or uploads), and of course secure lifetime storage. People also have full management over their recipient, privacy and delivery preferences, safeguarding their privacy, independence, and connections to loved ones today, and into the future.
Spotlight: Evaheld's Parental Legacy Statement includes the following chapters
- Welcome to my Parental Legacy Statement
- Explains the purpose of this letter
- Expresses the intention to pass on wisdom, love, and guidance to your children
- Sets the tone for a lasting message that will help guide them through life
- Expressions of Love and Pride
- Articulates your love for your children
- Shares what makes you proud of your children
- Life Lessons and Values
- Outlines the most important lessons you've learned that you want to pass on
- Explains how these values have shaped your life and how they can benefit your children
- Hopes and Dreams for the Future
- Expresses your hopes for your children's future
- Offers guidance on how your children can achieve their dreams
- Personal Stories and Memories
- Shares personal stories from your life
- Explains how these experiences have shaped who you are today
- Words of Wisdom and Guidance
- Provides advice to help your children through life's challenges
- Offers final messages you want to leave for your children
- Conclusion
- Ends with a loving and heartfelt conclusion
- Reiterates your love and support
- Reminds your children that they can always carry your guidance with them
By gifting an Evaheld Legacy Vault, you're providing your loved one with cancer the opportunity to create this deeply personal and meaningful document for their children. It's a chance for them to express their unconditional love, share their life wisdom, and leave a lasting message of support and guidance. This Parental Legacy Statement becomes a cherished keepsake, allowing children to connect with their parent's love and wisdom throughout their lives.
The process of creating a Parental Legacy Statement can be emotionally powerful and comforting, providing a sense of continuity in the parent-child relationship. It allows the parent to reflect on their journey of parenthood, celebrate their children's unique qualities, and pass on their most important life lessons. For cancer patients who are parents, this can be particularly significant, giving them a way to ensure that their love and guidance will continue to influence their children's lives, even if they're not physically present.
Gift an Unlimited Evaheld Legacy Vault for only $149!
Understanding Family Heirlooms and Legacy
A family heirloom is an object that has been passed down for generations within a family. The family heirloom definition extends beyond mere monetary value; these items carry emotional significance and embody the family's history and traditions. They can be physical objects like jewelry, furniture, or photographs, or intangible treasures like stories, recipes, or traditions.
In the context of gift-giving for cancer patients, consider how your gift might become a family heirloom. Could it be something that carries the patient's legacy forward? For example, a journal where they record their life story could become a cherished family heirloom, passing down wisdom and memories to future generations.
What to Say to Someone Grieving or Who Lost a Loved One
When supporting someone who is grieving or has lost a loved one, words can be just as important as tangible gifts. Here are some suggestions for what to say to someone grieving:
- "I'm here for you, whatever you need."
- "Your loved one's legacy will live on through you and all the lives they touched."
- "I have fond memories of [name]. Would you like to hear them?"
- "There's no right or wrong way to grieve. Take all the time you need."
- "Your loved one's life story was truly inspiring. They've left a beautiful legacy."
Remember, sometimes just being present and listening is the most comforting thing you can do. Your support contributes to the emotional inheritance the grieving person receives during this difficult time.
Top things to decide if a gift is right
Physical Discomfort After surgeries or during treatments like chemotherapy, patients often experience heightened sensitivity and discomfort. Gifts that might be physically restrictive or irritating can exacerbate their condition. Consider how the gift aligns with their end-of-life care plan and current physical state.
Emotional Impact The emotional toll of cancer can lead to anxiety and sadness. A gift that reminds a patient of their illness might inadvertently intensify these feelings. Instead, focus on gifts that celebrate their life story and contribute positively to their legacy.
Inaccessibility Patients may be too fatigued to enjoy certain activities or outings, making gifts like event tickets or travel vouchers less appreciated. Consider gifts that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their home, such as a family tree program to explore their genealogy.
Time Constraints Gifts that have an expiration date, such as tickets for a specific show, could result in disappointment if the patient is unable to attend. Opt for timeless gifts that allow flexibility and contribute to their legacy.
Top 10 Worst Gifts for Cancer Patients undergoing Chemo Therapy
- Flowers or Plants While they are commonly seen as a cheerful gift, they can pose risks due to potential allergens and bacteria.
Alternative: Choose decorative items like artwork, posters, or even fairy lights that can brighten up a room without posing health concerns. Consider items that could become family heirlooms, carrying the patient's legacy forward.
- Scented Beauty Products Artificial fragrances can be overwhelming for cancer patients during treatment, often resulting in nausea or sensitivity.
Alternative: Unscented lotions and bath products provide a soothing experience while minimising the risk of adverse reactions. Opting for products that are safe for cancer patients helps ensure gentle skin care without causing irritation, which is especially crucial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or similar treatments.
- Balloons Balloons can interfere with med tech or cause allergic reactions, especially latex balloons.
Alternative: Consider bright paper flowers or handmade cards that provide a personal touch without the hazards. These can be kept as mementos, contributing to the patient's life story and legacy.
- Alternative Treatments Suggesting other treatments can feel patronising and overstep boundaries.
Alternative: Instead, offer practical gifts like ginger tea, which can alleviate nausea naturally and comfortably. Respect the patient's chosen end-of-life care plan and medical decisions.
- Tight or Uncomfortable Clothing Clothes that are restrictive can be very uncomfortable, especially after surgeries.
Alternative: Select comfortable loungewear or oversized clothing; sweatpants or soft, loose-fitting tops are usually well-received. Consider clothing with positive legacy quotes or messages that uplift the patient's spirits.
- Event Tickets Gifts that require attendance at a specific time can increase anxiety for a patient who may not feel up to it.
Alternative: Opt for at-home entertainment like a movie night package or a selection of board games that can be enjoyed when the moment feels right. These can create lasting memories and contribute to the family's emotional inheritance.
- Underwear and Lingerie While the intention is to boost confidence, standard lingerie can be impractical post-surgery or during chemo therapy.
Alternative: Comforting sleepwear or recovery-friendly lingerie that accommodates any physical changes is more suitable. Consider items that make the patient feel comfortable and confident as they continue to write their life story.
- Quick "Get Well Soon" Calls Quick phone calls can feel impersonal and fall flat in sincerity.
Alternative: Taking the time to write a heartfelt letter can be deeply meaningful and cherished for years to come. Share memories, express love, and remind the patient that their legacy will live on through the lives they've touched.
- Dining Out Inviting a patient to dine out can seem overwhelming on days when they may not have the energy or desire for social interaction.
Alternative: Create a fun night in instead — think themed dinners or even a DIY pizza night at home. These intimate gatherings can create lasting memories and contribute to the family's emotional inheritance.
- Generic Cosy Blankets Though they may appear helpful, many cancer patients already receive numerous blankets while undergoing treatment.
Alternative: Instead, consider a warm hat or stylish scarf, providing both warmth and a means of self-expression during treatment. Personalised items can become cherished family heirlooms, carrying the patient's legacy forward.
Creating Meaningful Connections: Your Legacy Will Live On
These gifts for people with cancer are more than mere objects; they possess the power to evoke cherished memories, ease emotional burdens, and serve as reminders of love when words may fail. We hope this has been a helpful article and that whatever you choose, the cancer patient feels as though they are loved and supported.
Remember, the most important gift you can give is your presence and support. By being there for your loved one, you're helping to create lasting memories and contributing to their legacy. Your love and care will ensure that their legacy will live on through the lives they've touched and the stories they've shared.
Consider helping your loved one document their life story. This could be through journaling, recording video messages, or using a family tree program to explore and document their genealogy. These activities not only provide meaningful engagement but also create a lasting legacy for future generations.
When gifting an Evaheld Legacy Vault to someone with cancer, you're providing them with a powerful tool to create various types of legacy statements. One of the most heartfelt is the Parental Legacy Statement, which allows parents to express their love, wisdom, and hopes for their children.
The Parental Legacy Statement is particularly meaningful for cancer patients who are parents, as it offers an opportunity to leave a lasting message of love and guidance for their children. It's a chance to create a timeless testament to their parental love, values, and the wisdom they wish to pass on to their children.
Why choose an Evaheld Legacy Vault?
Right now you can gift an Unlimited Evaheld Legacy Vault for Only $149, giving someone everything they need to confidently create, safe-keep and share their most precious content, and gain peace of mind knowing that they’ve:
1. Secured their family story, history and legacy with the perfect family heirloom and tribute to their family and past generations!
2. Told their story and shared their truths, so that they can be a constant source of inspiration and wisdom for their loved ones and future generations.
3. Prepared a priceless gift for their loved ones- that will continue to keep on giving- such as when their loved ones receive milestone messages from them in the future, giving them peace of mind their connections will endure.
4. Preserved the important stories and legacies of loved ones that have passed, so that that knowledge is carried forward to future generations and not lost.
5. Unburdened their family and secured their healthcare wishes, with a legally valid Digital Advance Care Directive, and a whole lot more!
Evaheld also provides custom resources hubs across Legacy Planning and Advance Care Planning to help you get started, including helpful content like how to write powerful personal legacy statements and an introduction to preserving your family Legacy.
Give someone an Unlimited Evaheld Legacy Vault and secure their story and legace forever!
Evaheld’s “Connection is all we have” Hardship Policy
At Evaheld we believe that everyone’s story and legacy is worth sharing, so if you or someone you know needs some hardship assistance, please reach out and let us know, and someone from our team will ensure that money will not prevent anyone from securing their story, connections and legacy for loved ones and future generations. Because at Evaheld we believe that “Connection is all we have,” and that every single story and legacy is worth preserving!
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