When an employee or co-worker receives a serious diagnosis or needs to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments, people often rally around with support. They offer to bring food, provide rides to doctor's appointments, watch the kids, etc. While the person is often grateful for all the offers, they are often overwhelmed by trying to keep their network informed of medical progress, juggling responsibilities at work, and coordinating the needed help, all in the midst of the intense emotional and physical drain of the situation.   

You can help alleviate that stress. There are several ways to organize co-workers to provide support that is different than what most people do. For example: 

1.    Create a hospital care package. Families are often reluctant to leave their loved one's room when they visit, even if the patient is asleep. Yet hospital air is dry and there is little to do. Create a care package that includes bottles of water and juice, and snacks like protein bars, almonds, chocolates, and pretzels. Add puzzle books like crosswords or Sudoku (with a couple of pencils), and two or three magazines for light reading. If the patient is well enough for visitors, make a brief visit yourself and deliver the package. If not, call a family member to find a time when you can drop it off at the home.