How can I help friend with a very sick child?

[SpongebobNoPants]

I’m posting here for traffic.
My lovely friend of over 26 years has just found out her 4 year old has leukaemia.
I’m heartbroken for her and obviously her gorgeous child.
I can’t visit her because of covid but I was thinking I could make them a care package with nice things in for the 2 of them?
I’m thinking snacks, games, books, colouring in stuff?

Do you think this would be suitable? Any suggestions are very welcome. I wish I could do more and support my friend but I can’t see her.

If anyone has been in this position either as the friend or parent of a sick child then please tell me what I can do to help.

I’m so sad for them

That sounds perfect.

I received a toiletry set from a charity, when my little one was transferred to a different hospital. It was some light in a time of dark.

How horrible and how lovely of you thinking to do this.

For her little one, how about mess free colouring pens/books (you can get them in b&m)....there are also some lovely "scratch" books that come in different themes depending what the little one is into. Some new pjs/a lovely blanket for the hospital stays? Fred and Noah do amazing XXL blankets that my little one adores x

Message them about other things don't just always want updates or offer advise. Be understanding when they are just to spent to reply.

Nice socks and a scarf where lovely gifts when I was in that position

Home cooked food.
When I was in with my DC for weeks and months at a time, when friends and family turned up with home cooked food it was the greatest gift ever.
As a parent you’re at the mercy of canteen food/Costa type outlets which is a) expensive and b) depressing.
I will never ever forget those meals and the people who kindly went to the effort of providing them
A travel coffee mug and tea bags/coffee sachets and milk is amazing too.

Aww how lovely. I spent roughly 8-10 months in hospital and and me and my mum got pamper baskets. Include things like games, cards, books, jigsaws, colouring books and pens. I also got magazines, feet masks, moisturisers for sensitive hands and skin, snacks, little bottles of drinks or cartoons. Also please ask if they need any food delivering that helped us as my mum was too tired from the hospital and I had no energy at all from chemo. Also a little blanket and pillow as it can be absolutely freezing in the hospital x

Home cooked food
Little one is due to be in hospital now for 3-4 weeks at least and our lovely group of friends are planning to do a rota for cooking meals / shopping.
He is an only child so it is only the parents / stepparents we will need to help. We’ll give them whatever support they need.
The children’s hospital is also in a city centre just a few mins walk from my workplace so I can drop things off any time to help them

The fact you are supporting them will mean so much. It really does make it feel less lonely knowing there's someone you can phone to sort out a silly errand, chat to etc. Kindness in this horrible time will stay with them always.

I hope all goes well for their son.

That's a lovely idea; colouring books, crayons, sticker / activity books are always a hit with my 4yo. My ds also loves this magnet face thing.

For your friend you know her best obviously but nice hand cream, lovely note book and pen are things I'd appreciate.

Pyjamas and warm socks.
My son vomited constantly whilst having treatment for Leukaemia. There was a washing machine on the ward but often a queue. I would always ask for some to be bought.

Slippers/slides for mum. Books/ puzzle books for when child is asleep. Nice coffee sachets. A thermo mug. 😞

Drinks... something different,

You are a very caring friend. I think a little basket of fun toys for her little one. For her - meals would be a great idea. I would think practical support would be most helpful.

What a lovely thing you're doing. Hospitals are so dreary and the time drags terribly, what about something for the little one to while away the hours? The Osmo games are great if they have an iPad. A little Lego set maybe? For mama maybe an audiobook service subscription/giftcard in case she gets tired of reading... I think some others have suggested offering to play an online game with her which would give her some company and help distract. You've sent lots of great creature comforts already, maybe something really indulgent she wouldn't buy for herself, like an extremely fancy chocolate bar? Sending best wishes, you're a gem!

Our hospital is always cold. Maybe slippers for Mum? Handcream is good due to all the hand washing.

Sending messages talking about other things and not requiring a reply is great too.

For the child: active toys that are small and easy to pack away, travel toy sets are great. Of sending in any colouring those mess free sets are good.

If you have any children yourself get them to draw some colourful pictures to brighten up the room