When someone you know is diagnosed with cancer or receiving treatments, you may have this strong feeling to step in, show your concerns, and express your support.
You may also want to encourage her in hopes that she never gives up and continues fighting.
However, words don’t come easy for many of us, especially when the topic is about the hardship of others. You might feel conflicted, nervous, and afraid of doing or saying something wrong. If you can relate to this, writing a letter can be a good alternative and you may want to start looking for a sample letter of encouragement to a cancer patient.
Through a letter, you can say what you want and express how you feel clearly. Plus, you would have more time to choose your words. Notes of encouragement for cancer patients are good ways to show just how much you care. It may also bring her hope during such trying times.
If you are not sure how to begin your letter, you can use our sample letters as a basis for writing your own. You can choose one or mix them up, depending on which you can relate most. After, try to add a few words of your own to make it more authentic.
Sample Letter of Encouragement to a Cancer Patient
#1 A letter sample if you have been distant or quiet since the diagnosis of your close friend
Dear ______,
You may be wondering why I haven’t been around lately. I didn’t know what to say. For once, I found myself lost for words, and you know how much I can talk. But please know that I have been thinking about you and that you are in my prayers every night.
I read online that writing helps when you don’t know what to say. It also says sending words of encouragement for person with cancer can make a difference in how they feel. So I thought I’d give this a try. I’m not going to pretend that I know what I’m saying and I might ramble now and then, but I hope that I can brighten your day even just a little through this letter.
With so much fear in the news today, I thought it’ll be nice to hear something else for a change. Right now, I’m looking outside my window and I see a beautiful white blanket of snow. It’s cold and chilly, and I love it. I’ve always loved it.
Then I thought about you. You hate snow. You hate going out when you didn’t need to. You don’t like wearing so many clothes and you hate it the most when days quickly turned to nights. So it made me wonder why you’d always agree to meet me for just a cup of coffee, even when it’s snowing outside.
Then it hit me. Whenever I was down and looking for reasons to complain, you were always there to tell me never to give up. Now, I guess I’m returning those words to you.
We also met in winter, do you remember?
Looking back at it now, I remember how amazed I was at you when we first met. You were so confident and in charge of everything. You were unlike anyone I have ever met. This is why I know you will face this challenge head-on… because you are stubborn that way.
I would love to help make this journey easier for you. Can I drive you to your appointments or treatment? Or maybe clean your home? I’ll be visiting you again soon for your answer.
Well, I guess that’s it. I wish you much love and strength, and I pray that God gives you the courage you need to overcome this illness.
P.S. You don’t have to respond. I just wanted you to know that I am here for you and if ever you want to talk, I’m here to listen.
Always,
Your Name
Important Notice
In this example, we used personal experiences with the cancer patient. Thus, consider replacing those parts with your encounters. Additionally, you can change the type of help you are offering. If you’re not available to drive or clean her home, you can offer to cook meals for her kids, do her shopping, etc. Just make sure that you can deliver on your promises.
#2 A letter sample for a coworker who was just diagnosed with cancer
Hello ______,
I heard the news and I was surprised to learn of your diagnosis. You have made such a positive impact on my life and I can’t tell you how much I value your friendship. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have no idea how you can deal with this, and you have become such an inspiration for me and our other friends from the office.
I walked past your desk earlier and I thought of the conversations we have shared during our breaks. I am so sorry you are going through this. I don’t know what to say or how to say it, but I want you to know that I am here for you whenever you need someone to listen.
Anyway, we had a meeting earlier and there was nothing you didn’t already know about. However, we missed you and your great ideas. It was quiet and no one talked back and answered questions like you did. We also talked about who gets to cover your tasks while you are away.
I already volunteered to cover some of the tasks for you and everything has been settled. So you don’t have to worry about work. You have always done so much to help me and the others. Now, please focus on taking care of yourself and getting well. We are all looking forward to having you back in the office.
That said, let’s continue communicating and exchanging messages through email. I think this would be a faster and easier way to handle our workload. I will also send reports and regularly update you about what is happening in the company through email. But don’t worry. You can respond whenever it is convenient for you.
I don’t know what else to say, but always remember that I’m here for you.
“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” – Robert Ludlum
I heard that a letter can help make someone feel better. Hopefully, I was able to lighten your day even just a little. I also wanted to know that you are not alone in this fight. We are all praying for your healing and we are all here to support you through this trying time. Sending you well wishes, strength, and love.
Yours truly,
Your Name
Important Notice
In our second example, we leaned more towards work. For a cancer patient, it’s important to talk about other things not related to their illness. By talking about work, you can assure her that she’s still an important member of your team. Also, suggesting to email each other allows her to respond when she’s ready. It doesn’t require immediate response unlike for texts or calls.
#3 A sample letter for a sister who has cancer
Dear ______,
Hello! Starting this letter was the hardest part. I didn’t know what to say in the first line and it worried me a lot. But now that I’ve already started, that problem’s done.
When I learned about your diagnosis, I found myself lost for words. Honestly, I didn’t know what to say or do so I tried writing instead. I read on the internet that writing can make a person feel different when they read a letter. I am hoping that you would feel a little bit better and that I can brighten your day in some way through my simple ramblings.
I wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this fight and that I am here and always around when you are ready to talk. You are in my thoughts and I pray every day for you to be healthy again soon. May God grant you the strength and courage to win over your fight against cancer.
I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now and this sucks. I’m so sorry that you are struggling with this. I also know that nothing I can say will make this all better. But I want you to know that I love you and I support you 100%.
More importantly, I want to help you as much as I can. If you need someone to go with your treatments and doctor appointments, please let me know. I’d be more than happy to go with you. I can also do some chores for you or watch your kids for a night if you’d like to catch up on some extra rest.
Or maybe next time we can hang out and watch a movie together? We can take a walk, go to the mall, and do the other things we used to do. What do you think? What day would work for you? I know I may be asking a lot but I miss you and I am looking forward to seeing and being with you again. I can wait so you don’t have to make up your mind so soon.
Before I end this letter, I want you to know that cancer does not define you and it’s not the whole story of your life. You are a dog-lover, a passionate mother, a loving wife, a sincere friend, and my amazing sister. You are an inspiration and I love you.
Sending you big hugs, the warmest prayers, and all the love and care in my heart.
Always,
Your Name
Important Notice
Since you’ll be talking to a loved one that you have known for a long time, it will be nice to put some humor in your letter. Now, if you’re wondering how to encourage a cancer patient in words, the first thing you have to remember is: be honest. Anything listed in these letter samples won’t matter if you don’t mean it.
Final Words
As cliche as it may sound, the key to writing words of encouragement for a person with cancer is to be yourself. You can say anything that comes from your heart, and you might want to add some amusing words of encouragement to liven things up a little. In the letters above, do you see yourself truly saying them? After, think about the receiver of your letter and imagine yourself in her situation. Do you want to hear those things?
A letter is and always has been a thoughtful gesture. It is a great reminder for a cancer patient that you are thinking about her and that she is not alone in her fight. By taking the time to write, or mail it, you can show her how much you care.
More importantly, it is a simple way to give your support and comfort, even from afar. Writing notes of encouragement for cancer patients may be challenging at first, but soon you’ll see that just the thought of you going through all this effort is what matters most.