Resources & FAQ’s

One of the most important things you can do is let them know you are there, however they need. Their minds are going in a million different directions and anything that can be taken off their plate will be greatly appreciated.

*Set up a meal train. 

*Offer to go grocery shopping. 

*Be there to listen. 

*Be there through the times they may need space to process. 

This can be one of the scariest times in a families life and all the support they can receive, the better. 

*Find out if visitors are allowed and if so, sit with them if you feel comfortable (checking with the family first to make sure they are comfortable with visitors). 

*Find out what food shops are in and around the hospital and bring gift cards. The families will often forget to eat while spending time in a hospital. 

*Send a care package. (see recommendations below)

*Offer to help with jobs at home while they are in the hospital (take in the mail, walk their dog, etc)

*Lotion

*Comfortable, cozy socks

*Blanket

*Lip moisturizer

*Gift card to surrounding food and coffee shops

*Magazines

*Books

*Warm sweatshirt

*Toy/book for the child 

*Personalized note

*Water bottle

*Reach out to other families with similar diagnoses

*Find reputable online sources as resources

*Speak to someone at the hospital to find resources they may have. ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS!

*Courageous Parents Network 

www.courageousparentsnetwork.com 

*NORD - National Organization for Rare Disiorders

www.rarediseases.org

*Be there to listen or sit in quiet.

*Take out their trash. Bring in their mail. 

*Bring/send them food.

*Let the families know their child is being thought about by you and others.

*Remind them that you are there even when they need space.