Neighbour's Child with Cancer - Just want to do something, anything

[sussexoldspot]

I have just found out from his grandma that a lovely little 12 year old boy in our street has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, is currently having chemo and is consequently really poorly. He and his Mum live with gran.

I dont know the family very well but we do chat when we meet. I've said the usual 'if there is anything at all we can do...', but would really like to buy him a little something, just to make his life a little more comfortable.

Can anyone suggest what I could get? I was thinking of vouchers, so his Mum could get him comics, but am really at a loss - or would this be completely inappropriate? I'd be grateful for any help

Could you ask the mum what he'd like.

What a fool I am - that never occurred to me

I sometimes do this with birthday pressies if I don't know the child very well. When I accept the invite I ask if there's anything they'd like, collect or whatever or things to avoid.

It's a lovely idea to get them something - really thoughtful and caring.

I've just been out and bumped into his Mum - she looks so pale and tired

She says he would love some football magazines. Now I'm kicking myself for not asking what team he supports. He's such a wonderful, caring little boy, has been through hell at school with bullying and now this.

Thank you for your help, almeida, I really appreciate it.

Good going sussexoldspot - It will really brighten his day to get the mags he likes. Bet his mum was touched by your kindness. Best wishes xx

I'd buy the mum some chocolate too - bet she could do with the energy! You could also offer to fetch them dvds etc from Blockbusters or similar. If he's having chemo etc he may not be able to be amongst people much - because his immune sysytem will be flattened - and so dvds or computer games will be very important to keep him entertained. If you do the toing and froing for them that would really help. You could go to the library too - they have dvds as well as books.

I'd pop some magazines, chocolate and bubble bath in for the Mum too, or perhaps a couple of meals she can pop in the freezer.

What great ideas - I'll get his Mum something tomorrow too. The poor mite is in University College Hospital near Euston at the moment (apparently his immune system collapsed last night and he was rushed in) and we all live in the sticks near Eastbourne, so he's a long way away.

I think DP is also going to load him some games on a old laptop we have.

Thank you all so much.

Buy the mum some nice toiletries she can take with her? A friend of my DD has been battling cancer on and off for a while now and I know her mum appreciates nice pampering stuff she can use.

Cancer is a wicked disease.

Or how about a subscription to "love film" for both of them to enjoy?