Outskirts Press, INC.

Wishing to help your cancer friend? What patients and caregivers want you to know

A cancer diagnosis of a friend, acquaintance, or co-worker often leaves us wondering about the most appropriate things to say to someone suffering from this dreadful disease. In general, cancer fighters would much prefer aid and comfort over being subjected to empty clichés and annoyingly dismissive “just stay positive” lectures during their agonizing treatment. Keith Hardeman’s, Don’t say “Everything happens for a reason” provides constructive, no-nonsense lessons on empathy, communication, and practical help for anyone wishing to support their friends coping with cancer.

"This book is for those who experience the shock of learning about a friend’s cancer diagnosis and don’t quite know what to do or say to help them. Keith Hardeman, a caregiver during his wife’s trauma with breast cancer, enlightens us with credible guidance on the dos and don’ts of supporting a friend with cancer. He offers his readers insightful, concrete advice for helping members of the cancer community along with suggestions for effective communication strategies. You want to help your cancer friend in the best way possible? Read this book!"
-Dr. Barri L. Bumgarner, author of Fifty cents for a Dr Pepper

"We all want to help a friend or acquaintance fighting cancer. To do so, effectively, it’s important to understand the perspectives of those who have already “been there and done that.” For better or worse, being a cancer caregiver has taught Professor Hardeman many lessons about how to help cancer friends that he shares in this book. It is written with understanding, compassion, and is rich with sage advice."
-Dr. Robert Cowles, professor emeritus, Westminster College