By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H.
05/08/2024

Celebrating Supportive Moms This Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! Today, we want to send a special shout-out to the superhero moms with children fighting pediatric cancer. These brave warriors are not just juggling hospital visits, endless appointments, and fierce cuddles but doing it with a smile. They’ve become experts in all things medical, a testament to their resilience and strength.  This Mother’s Day, we celebrate their unwavering love that lights up even the most challenging days. Their bravery is an inspiration to us all!

Creative Celebrations

While treatment schedules might make big outings difficult, there are still plenty of ways to show Mom how much she means to you. Here are some ideas that you can do to celebrate Mom at home. 

  • Homemade masterpieces: Unleash your inner artist! Get the kids involved in crafting heartfelt cards, painting pictures, or writing personalized messages that express their love. Check out this fantastic resource from Parents magazine with tons of kid-made Mother’s Day craft ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/makeandtakes/mothers-day-crafts/
  • Girls celebrating their mom
    Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

    Spa Day at Home: Transform the bathroom into a sanctuary. Draw a calming bath, light scented candles, and let Mom soak away her worries. This DIY spa gift guide from Parenting Chaos has some beautiful ideas for creating a spa day at home: https://parentingchaos.com/. You can find all the ingredients and instructions needed to make a tranquil escape for Mom.

  • Movie magic (virtually): Consider Mom’s favorite genres or classic films she wants to see. Try out Teleparty, a free service that makes movie nights virtual and interactive. It’s the perfect tool for this surprise! If you’re stuck, you can browse the selections on Teleparty-supported services like Netflix or Hulu and choose something that fits the bill. Check it out here: https://www.teleparty.com/
  • Gift Certificates: No matter your mom’s interests, there’s sure to be a gift certificate that she’ll love. Consider her personality and what would make her feel special when choosing a gift certificate. For instance, if she loves to read, a gift certificate to a local bookstore could be perfect. If she enjoys cooking, a gift certificate to a gourmet grocery store might be just the thing. Gift cards can be a launchpad for a great experience!

The Power of Community

Mom holding her baby
Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Remember, moms with children in cancer treatment don’t walk this path alone. Your extended family, friends, and the community play a crucial role in offering invaluable support. Your impact, whether it’s delivering homemade meals, offering to babysit siblings, running errands, or helping with household chores, is immeasurable. A “meal train” where friends and family contribute pre-made meals throughout the week can be a lifesaver. Your support, no matter how small, is integral in lightening the load and making this Mother’s Day special.

  • MealTrain.com is a free and user-friendly option. With a few clicks, you can create a schedule, list preferences (think allergies!), and invite your crew. It’s perfect for simple, straightforward meal trains.
  • TakeThemAMeal.com: This service boasts a sleek design and lets recipients add specific meal requests. Plus, it integrates with popular food delivery apps for ultimate convenience. It’s great for tech-savvy groups or picky eaters!
  • Give In Kind: You can create registries for groceries, household goods, or even childcare. This is a fantastic option for those who need a more comprehensive range of support.

Here To Serve Can Help!

Don’t let a busy schedule stop you from showering Mom with love. Here To Serve’s amazing volunteers can help you choose a platform, set up your meal train, and even reach out to friends and family. That way, you can focus on what matters most – spending quality time with Mom and celebrating all she does! In addition, Here To Serve can be a valuable resource for families facing pediatric cancer. We offer wraparound services designed to support families on their cancer journey. This can include:

  • Help coordinating volunteers: Here To Serve’s online calendar can connect families with volunteers who can assist with meals, errands, childcare, and even household tasks, allowing moms to focus on their child’s well-being.
  • Resource referrals: Navigating the complexities of pediatric cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Here To Serve can connect families with essential resources, support groups, and financial assistance programs.
  • Building a Care Community: Here To Serve facilitates online Care Communities where families can connect with others on a similar journey, share experiences, and offer emotional support.

Motherhood comes with its challenges, even when surrounded by love. This Mother’s Day might not be picture-perfect, and that’s completely understandable. But even a small gesture can make a big difference! A heartfelt note, a helping hand, or connecting her with Here To Serve’s amazing volunteers can brighten her day. Happy Mother’s Day from Here To Serve! We celebrate all the incredible moms out there!

Please note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

About the Author

With over 15 years of experience in the biotechnology industry and a passion for science education, Sameera Rangwala is a STEM educator who actively engages with the cancer community through her informative blog posts and words of encouragement.

Here To Serve Summary

Here to Serve is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting families with children facing cancer through comprehensive in-home care and coordinated services. Through experienced family care coordinators, the organization connects families to essential physical, financial, and emotional resources, helping them feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their child’s cancer journey.