Giving and Accepting Support when a Child is Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor

·        When a child gets diagnosed with a brain tumor, or is going through treatment for a brain tumor, friends and family members often want to help but do not know how. We often get phone calls from friends and family who want to learn about resources and about CBTF programs so they can offer help to their loved ones. They often ask, “What can I say? How can I help? I want to help but I don’t know what to do…”  From a parent’s or caregiver’s perspective, what can friends and family members do to help? Or, what have they done that was most helpful to you? Maybe it was bringing over a meal, or calling to check in, or just listening. Or, maybe someone said something to you that comforted you or gave you strength. Please share your experiences here. This article from the NY Times about offering support may be of interest to both parents of children with brain tumors, and to friends and family members: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/health/views/17essa.html?pagewanted=2&emc=eta1