Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Support Group

Hi Ginger,

I was diagnosed with ALL when I was 13 years old. I am now 36, healthy, married and doing things I never thought I would.

I attribute my success to my ability to laugh at the worst of times. I suggest sending your best friend the stupidest video you can find. It will take her mind off of the treatment. Do you have any crazy pictures of the two of you? Drop her a note and include them. I had one uncle who sent me a card every week with the most ridiculous stuff inside. For instance, a huge bag of M&Ms with all the blue ones omitted to ensure I wouldn't get blue. I had another friend bring me a ham when I was able to eat salt again. And a wonderful over-sized card that was made out of a grocery bag with all of the latest heart-throbs cut and pasted from magazines with personalized messages taped in bubbles over their heads. (I still have it.)Stupid stuff that made me smile and let me know that they cared.
I say, flowers are for funerals; unfortunately, everyone sends them. I think what your friend could really use right now is a lift, so I suggest you use your creativity and customize some fun cards.

this is a great idea, distraction is the best presant you can give your friend

Hello
Our 2 year old daughter was just recently diagnosed and our friends and family were wondering the same things. What they ended up doing was raising money in different ways to help us with the extra medical expenses. They put jars in local businesses and collected pennies, held a benefit dance for us and held a raffle. One family member even contacted the local blood donor clinic and we raised awareness in our community for the need for blood. I know you are far away so some of these suggestions may not work but it's helped us get through the last couple of months. Thoughts are with your friend and her family