Loving Your Friend through Cancer: Moving beyond "I'm Sorry" to Meaningful Support

by Marissa Henley

“It’s cancer.” When you hear the two words you dread most from someone you care about, you know at once that your friend’s life has been turned upside down. Whether she’s a good friend, a best friend, or just an acquaintance, you want to be supportive. But how can you understand what she’s going through enough to know what she needs? What can you say besides “If you need anything—anything at all . . .”? Marissa Henley is here to help show you the way. A cancer survivor herself, she lets you in on what having cancer feels like and what your friend truly needs. She prepares you to support your friend with both knowledge and compassion. And she offers specific action steps and practical support resources to help you show love in the day-to-day details. Cancer is a life-altering challenge—but Marissa will equip and empower you to walk alongside your friend with love and support.

Genres: Nonfiction, Counselling

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Marissa Henley is a cancer survivor who writes and speaks about faith, friendship, God's character, and suffering. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and one disobedient dog. She would love to connect with you at www.marissahenley.com.

Reviews

[Brooke Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Your Friend through Cancer is an excellent resource for anyone who has someone in their life who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. The book is written by Marissa Henley, who was diagnosed in her 30s with a rare form of cancer. Marissa's community rallied around her, providing meals, help with her three young children, and emotional support. As she continued on her cancer journey, she was frequently approached by others who had someone in their life who had been diagnosed with cancer. Their compassionate question was: "What can I do that would be helpful to this loved one?" After seeing her advice was helpful, she wrote this book to help those who wonder the same thing: "what can I do to help when someone is facing the worst days of their life"?
Loving Your Friend through Cancer is full of very practical help of what to do, (and what NOT to do) when you have a friend/acquaintance/family member who has recently been diagnosed. This is an invaluable resource to anyone who wants to offer compassionate help, but not knowing where to start. There is an entire section on resources including verses to share with a friend. An especially meaningful part of the book is written to your husband with ideas on how one can offer meaningful support to the husband of a woman diagnosed with cancer.
This book is a must read if you have someone in your life who is walking through deep suffering, whether cancer or another illness. God will use it to transform your perspective, and help you to move beyond "I'm sorry" to meaningful support.

[Kate Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this both as someone who has had the priviledge of being alongside friends and relatives who have had cancer, and also as a Cancer Survivor.

Written with honesty this book is full of helpful advice and suggestions regarding the support of others, and it also highlights the importance of being kind to yourself as you support.
A strong Christian faith under-pins advice offered and personally I found this reassuring, affirming, inspiring, and at all times truthful and honest.

I highly recommend this book - it is practical, and non-patronising. There will be acts of support or service to others that you may automatically think of, others that occur to you as you read. The book takes the stress out of having to think or wonder.....anecdotes show rather than tell, and check lists help organise thoughts and actions. Further reading is mentioned and thorough indexing, and Scripture quotes make thr book easy to navigate.

I am very grateful for the understanding and empathy shared by Marissa - 30 years after my cancer I am reassured that my initial reactions as a Cancer Survivor were natural and common.

Though written with friends and family touched by Cancer in mind, this has advice which I am sure will aid in the support of people touched by other diseases and illnesses as the whole person is holistically considered - mind, body, and spirit.

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is what I love about this book: it's so incredibly practical! I feel like I sat down for a long coffee date with Marissa and had her share all the ways to help (and to not "help") a loved one going through a scary diagnosis. This book gives very actionable steps for you no matter how close you are to the person in the middle of the diagnosis. If you're a close friend, you've got really clear steps to take. If you're an acquaintance, there are clear steps for you as well, though they'll look different than the close friend's steps. And Marissa smartly gives us tools to determine where we land in the concentric circles of closeness.

I have definitely made some of the "helpful" mistakes Marissa mentions, but I really do understand now why those things weren't truly helpful. More than that, I'm armed with what IS helpful and how I can love my friend or family member or church member or acquaintance through what is most likely the most difficult time of their life. Knowing how to be that kind of friend is invaluable. Thank you for writing this book, Marissa! We are a ministry family, and I plan to have a copy in our church library so that we are equipped as a church to bear one another's burdens as effectively and as lovingly as possible.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Your Friend Through Cancer is an excellent read by author and cancer survivor Marissa Henley. I had never read a book of this type before and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although this book speaks specifically to walking alongside a friend as they suffer from cancer, most of the principles could apply to any season of physical suffering. I encourage all Christians to read this book so that they may be equipped to provide Biblical care to individuals suffering from cancer. Loving Your Friend Through Cancer is a tough but necessary read. It's not tough in the sense that it's difficult to comprehend, it's tough because the stories told within its pages are deeply personal. As a mama to a two year old girl, I had to wipe tears from my eyes as I read about Marissa questioning whether or not she would even live to see her baby girl begin elementary school. As someone who has not experienced cancer, I'm thankful for Marissa's honesty because it has helped me realize the need to continually cultivate compassion within my own heart. I LOVE that Marissa encourages the friends of cancer patients to not use religious platitudes when it comes to offering comfort as these are unhelpful and discouraging. She also reminds friends to be good listeners, a quality that sounds simple but often requires much practice. 

She also reminds people not to assume someone is suffering from cancer due to sin or a lack of faith as both options are entirely unbiblical. This reminder made me realize the importance of not being like Job's friends who sought to associate his suffering with his sin. Even though you may not currently have a friend with cancer, I still urge you to read this book so you may gain a heart of wisdom when it comes to compassionately caring for others in a Biblical way. In addition to the specific bits of information that are helpful in caring for a friend with cancer, the book contains many practical suggestions at the end of each chapter that can be applied to many situations that involve caring for others. Included in the back of the book is an in-depth resources section that covers A Biblical View of Suffering, Verses to Share with Your Friend, and much more.

I thoroughly enjoyed Loving Your Friend Through Cancer and give it my highest recommendation. I can't wait to see how the Lord uses this book to comfort His children as they battle cancer and other sufferings this side of heaven. 

I received Loving Your Friend Through Cancer compliments of P&R Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

[Hannah Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Your Friend Through Cancer, speaks right into the desire and need for love, service, and care during the hardest time of your friends life. Marissa writes from experience as she has both loved through the battle and experienced the battle first hand. Cancer sucks, but your presence in your friend’s life brings a light in the darkest night. Your presence is needed, and Marissa has provided you with a guide to being a meaningful and compassionate support to your friends and loved ones during this time. Filled with resources in the back to apply everything she discusses to the reality of Loving Your Friend Through Cancer.

I watched my grandmother die of cancer and other health issues. I have friends who have watched their friends battle with cancer. Cancer is inevitable, it is a part of all of our lives in one way or another. I believe that is why we need resources like this on our shelves; we need to be prepared and ready to love in the hard places. I have never had Cancer, but I have struggled with other diagnoses and health issues that have rocked my life. While it speaks directly to Loving Your Friend Through Cancer, this book is a beautiful guide to loving through anything life altering your friend faces. From loss and diagnoses to any emotionally painful life change this book has a beautiful framework for being a friend that stays through the storm, the aftermath, and into her new version of life. Because whether your friend is walking through Cancer personally or with a loved one, there is no going back only forward into a completely new version of life. I highly recommend this book to you and to any of your friends who are walking with their loved ones through Cancer. This book brought comfort and purpose to my role as friend when it feels like there is no way I could possibly help. There is. Our friend needs us more than ever.

[Kimberley Mulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found Marissa's book to be exactly what I was looking for - TONS of practical, wise ideas and guidance for me and the entire community surrounding my loved ones who are fighting cancer. It is all this embedded in deep foundational, healthy Biblical understanding. There is nothing trite or shy in this book; just authentic encouragement and grounding for all of us to ask the tough questions and be present through it while we face the challenges of cancer together.
She organizes the levels of relationship a person has into circles and uses this to guide recommendations as to what you can, and even should, do for your friend. As she rightly says, your friend probably only wants those who are the closest folding her underwear!
I also treasure her careful differentiation of questions to ask your friend that show concern and care, rather than curiosity.
She takes you through the complexities of caring for your friend's physical, spiritual and mental needs; as well as a special chapter on caring for the friend whose family member has cancer, through chronic illness, terminal illness, and survivorship. No matter what stage you and your friend are in, there's a wealth of help for you in this book!

[Bettie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over this past month, I had the honor of being part of a book launch for a beautiful book, "Loving Your Friend Through Cancer," by Marissa Henley. If you have a friend or family member who is walking through the scary days of a cancer diagnosis, I highly recommend this book. Marissa herself is a cancer survivor, and she shares from her own experience the ways that God brought friends and supporters to walk with and to encourage her along the way. From practical helps to intimate spiritual thoughts, Marissa has written a book that gets to the heart of the matter for anyone who longs to bless their friends who are walking a dark path. From the point of view of someone who lives with a daily chronic illness, I could identify with much of the wisdom that she shared. I pray that the Lord will bless the launch of this great book. (I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, but all opinions expressed are purely my own.)

[Gustavo Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Your Friend Through Cancer is a very well thought out book that manages to address difficult realities with both a compassionate tone and very practical advice that leads to meaningful support of cancer fighters.

The insights into the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that come with cancer are specially enlightening. The book also provides a compilation of resources that help turn said insights into effective actions.

As a reader, I left feeling equipped not only to empathize with loved ones who are fighting this disease, but also to be a present help in their journey.

I pray that if you need to be of support to a loved one fighting cancer, you may have this resource available to help you both.

[Lynne Hartke · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Let me know if I can do anything."

We've all said the words. We've meant well when we said the words. But it is rare for the receiver of the words to follow through, especially after a cancer diagnosis, when their world has been turned upside down and they are living in the overwhelming now.

Marissa Henley gives us more than vague words in her book "Loving Your Friend Through Cancer." Her words are a lifeline of practical ways we can reach out with specific help and compassion.

--Lynne Hartke, breast cancer survivor and 2018 Voice of Hope with the American Cancer Society

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is currently walking through cancer with a loved one this book couldn't have come at a better time. Marissa weaves her story of battling and surviving cancer in with great advice for those who have loved ones who face this devastating illness. In Loving Your Friend Through Cancer you will find many tangible ways to help your loved one from diagnosis to recovery or through their final days. Not only do I encourage anyone who has a loved one battling cancer to read this book but I also believe this book is perfect for anyone facing a life altering illness of any kind.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is currently walking through cancer with a loved one this book couldn't have come at a better time. Marissa weaves her story of battling and surviving cancer in with great advice for those who have loved ones who face this devastating illness. In Loving Your Friend Through Cancer you will find many tangible ways to help your loved one from diagnosis to recovery or through their final days. Not only do I encourage anyone who has a loved one battling cancer to read this book but I also believe this book is perfect for anyone facing a life altering illness of any kind.

[Bev Worley]

Chapter 8 is my favorite chapter. Page 123 begins a section explaining one of the many methods in this book for providing strong support for your friend suffering through cancer. The method in a nutshell "This sucks, God is good, and I love you" approach. Marissa expands on this simple method with wonderful and practical ways to be there for your friend. If you have a friend suffering through cancer and you want to love her through it really well, you need this book.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "must read" for anyone who knows someone diagnosed with cancer and that is all of us. As a cancer survivor, I related to the thoughts and experiences the author shared. Friends, family and even strangers often don't know what to say to a person with cancer. The awkward words or no words at all can bring sadness. In this informative and encouraging book, the author shares personal thoughts and wisdom gained from the cancer journey. Practical ways to help and comforting words to express are included. Excellent resource. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.

[Lindsey Cornett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I didn’t know I needed, but I have already relied on its wisdom and great ideas twice in the past week.

This is not only a book for those who have a loved one experiencing cancer—it’s a book for all of us, because we all have loved ones walking through hard circumstances, and we all will be called upon to love and care for someone in a hard season.

This book is like a playbook and instruction manual for those times. It’s a treasure trove of practical & unique ideas, while also being packed full of wisdom.

In the past, I would have thought, “I don’t know what to say! I don’t know what to do!” and maybe kept my distance so as to not offend or be in the way.

Now, I feel armed with the understanding and tools to care for those I love more fully.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is tremendously helpful book on a very difficult topic of what to do when one’s friend is going through cancer. The book is written by Marissa Henley who herself is a cancer survivor. It took me a long time to finish the book but I am glad I read through this book slowly. It was extremely helpful and I took pages after pages of notes along the way. In God’s providence I read this book as a pastor who at first was curious about ministering to those who have cancer as a hypothetical scenario and therefore it wasn’t a priority but then it turned out I really did needed this book in ministering to someone who really had cancer a few months after I first began this book. I am glad this book was written as I found it immensely helpful for pastors though it was written for lay Christians in the church. I recommend this book and rate it five out of five.
The book consisted of thirteen chapters. All the chapters were tremendously helpful. The first ten chapters is focused on ministering to a friend who has cancer. Chapter eleven shifts the focus on ministering to friends or church members in which their spouse, parent or child have cancer. Chapter twelve discusses “when there’s no cure” while chapter thirteen discusses the topic of supporting a friend who survived cancer.
I cannot stress enough how helpful this book has been. It exceeded my expectations. It made me think a lot about things I haven’t considered before. I found in the beginning of the book the discussion of circles of friendship one is at in relations to the person with the cancer tremendously helpful; it allows one to consider just how much one can help and also what the assistance would look like according to where you fall in the circle of friendship; yet one shouldn’t despair if one want to help more as time would often bring those who are consistently helpful in the outer circle into the more inner circle. It is a realistic framework that I haven’t even thought about before. Yet this isn’t just theoretical as the author gave a lot of practical suggestions of what assistance to someone with cancer look like according to one’s place in the circle of friendship. The chapter on unhelpful religious platitudes was also a great read in the book and shouldn’t be missed. Also the book’s discussion about the struggle of those surviving cancer was also an exceptional chapter in a book that has amazing chapters. I never realize how hard it is for those who survive cancer from the fear of cancer coming back to the reality that things aren’t the same like it was before the cancer and also the skeptical cynicism that cancer truly has disappeared. The likelihood of the return of cancer is also very probable which affect one’s outlook and planning in life.
I can’t stress enough just how life changing this book for me as a young pastor. It wasn’t just helpful in terms of ministering to those with cancer but it was also helpful for me to be better equipped and more considerate in how I minister to those with other serious illness. As I said in the beginning God really used this book providentially in my ministry. I believe many others who read this book have been tremendously enriched, equipped and ministered by it. Maybe the next person who can benefit from this book is you.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this day and age, it is inevitable that we will have someone close to us who will be faced with a cancer battle. This book is written by a cancer survivor, which allows Marissa to give two different perspectives and to speak from her own experience in what was helpful and what was not. It is a must read for everyone even if the reader hasn’t yet been touched by cancer directly or indirectly. The advice given would be helpful even for someone walking alongside someone suffering from a chronic or terminal illness unrelated to cancer.

Marissa is honest and shares practical advice, personal stories, scripture references, questions to ask and ones to avoid. She encourages the reader to be strong and supportive of the cancer patient and to realize that your relationship will likely be one sided during the entire journey, but to remain faithful and diligent even as other support systems begin to fizzle out. Your friend will need support all along the way and even after he/she makes it into remission. There will be many changes--physically, mentally, emotionally--in his/her life that will need to be faced and worked through, especially when they aren’t consumed with just surviving. They need a friend who remains and will help pick them up after the main battle has been fought. Marissa shares how sometimes a supportive friend doesn’t need to say a thing at all and just be there. Marissa provides the reader with ways to serve depending on your relationship to the cancer patient. Close friends and family can do more than acquaintances and even strangers, but everyone can do something to help.

I can’t recommend this book enough for all to read.

I was given an advanced reader copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loving Your Friend Through Cancer” is an extremely important book for everyone to read. We are all affected by cancer. If you are fortunate enough not to be affected personally, I would venture to say that you at least know someone who has faced cancer. I am a cancer overcomer and I wish I had this book years ago when I was faced with my trial. It would have been so helpful for those around me to know how to support me as I faced various trials.

There is real, practical, loving advice that we can use to walk this journey with our friends as they face grief, fear, and loss. Marissa walks through the practical, logistical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the person facing cancer. She gives us an insight and a roadmap to jump in and surround that person in a loving way to make sure all her needs are met during this difficult time.

Chapter 13 talks about “When It’s Not Really Over” regarding survivorship. This one really hit home with me. Even though I’ve been cancer free for over a decade, my journey is not over and I still struggle regaining complete wellness. This is important to remember that even when your friend is well again, she will never be the same. Anxiety can heighten more than usual as she faces each new blood test, scan or doctor appointment or as a new ache or pain creeps up.

I would highly recommend this book to all those who want to love their friend well through health trials.

[I was given a free copy of the book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.]

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Loving Your Friend Through Cancer" is not a book I wanted to read. Honestly, it is not a book that anyone *wants* to read. Heck, it is not even a book that the author wants you to read…or wanted to write. I would, undoubtedly along with anyone reading this, prefer to live in a world where cancer was nothing but a memory-- if even that. However, that eschatological reality is not the world I currently inhabit. And since cancer is an unavoidable trouble in each of our lives, I am glad that Marissa Henley has shared her insights gleaned from the midst of her own struggles with cancer and her devotion to the word of God as the ultimate source of lasting wisdom.

Henley’s encouragements to her readers are based in Scripture, supported by personal narratives, and followed by numerous practical examples of how to take those biblical precepts and apply them in the care of a loved one struggling with cancer. She also includes a slew of resources at the end of the book to supplement the suggestions in the main text.

One struggle I had was that some of the text is so specific on certain types of cancer and certain stages of life that it runs the risk of being irrelevant to large portions of the potential readership, but even in the sections that were not directly applicable to my current situation, there was still a ton of wisdom to be gleaned.

I am sorry that this book even exists. But, at the same time, I am also incredibly thankful to have access to a resource so practical and pastoral.

Review Copy provided.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa Henley has used her own personal experiences as a cancer patient/survivor to write a book that is both helpful and inspiring. Every chapter offers valuable insights and both questions and answers to further our understanding of the physical and emotional tolls that a cancer patient endures. There are also over fifty pages of notes and bibliographical references to further our knowledge and the "Action Steps to Consider" are perfect for those of us who often wonder just what we should be doing! I especially appreciate that the author discusses the Biblical view of suffering and she offers readers appropriate Bible scripture to share with those dealing with cancer.

Many people hate to write in books but this is a book that needs to be marked in! My copy has notes in the margins and highlighted sections because I'm sure that I will be using it again and again. "Loving Your Friend through Cancer" is a wonderful resource for those struggling with the dreaded Cancer diagnosis but anyone dealing with a chronic illness will find it useful also!

“I received a free copy of the book from the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion."

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing, practical, helpful, and must-read book while "Loving Your Friend Through Cancer"! I don't know that I can pick a favorite chapter or part as there was so much in this book that was good. I did really enjoy Chapter 2: "Circles". Such an important chapter. Chapters 6-8 were so important, covering your friend's needs physically, logistically and emotionally. It was so nice to read practical ways to help as well as practical ways to pray. There is a nice chapter for when the one with cancer is your family member rather than a friend. Then, understanding the needs and support during survivorship, not to mention the wonderful resources in the back of the book, all round out this incredible book. Marissa writes from the heart and is so tender adding that much more to the preciousness of the book. I highly recommend to everyone, for who yet hasn't been affected in some way shape or form by cancer?!

[Lavonne Beale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from the perspective of a cancer survivor. This is a great resource for anyone who is called upon to be a support for someone going through the long road of cancer surgeries, treatments, and other appointments during the cancer “journey”. Two chapters in particular that I really liked are “How To Avoid Saying The Wrong Thing” and “Supporting A Friend Through Survivorship”. From my own experience, the survivor part is the hardest because one is expected to be okay. But there will still be life-long effects after beating the cancer.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been even remotely touched by a cancer diagnosis, whether a family member, friend, or an acquaintance. It should also be required reading for anyone who is part of a cancer-care ministry or group.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion.

[Danielle May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa has crafted an incredible tool for ALL humans, as each of us on earth is impacted by cancer in one way or another. As a cancer survivor, I found myself nodding in agreement with many of the emotions and tips that Marissa shared throughout the book. As the family member and friend of many cancer survivors, this book felt like a refreshing guidepost and affirmation. By interweaving real-life survivor and caregiver stories along with practical tips, Marissa has provided a relevant and relatable guidebook. I am excited to have several copies of this incredible tool on hand to share with others as they walk through cancer with a loved one or friend. It will be a tremendous privilege to see how this book impacts the way others love well through cancer.

[Wanda Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sensitivity, true humility and personal experience combine with excellent writing to create this tremendous resource.

Marissa presents the real tough circumstances surrounding a cancer diagnosis and then gives practical ways to get through each one.

Do not know what to say to a cancer patient? Marissa gives insight as a cancer survivor who has been on the receiving end of various types of advice and religious platitudes.

Wonder how you can help? You will be armed with simple, yet effective ideas of ways you can help a cancer patient and their family.

As the daughter of a cancer victim, Marissas experience gave me a peek into what it may have been like for my mother as a cancer patient. Beautifully and sensitively written.

[Kimberly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having experienced cancer myself, I can tell you that the advice in this book is spot on. A great read cover to cover and a jewel to keep for future reference, this book is a must have for every book shelf. There aren't many who haven't been touched by cancer in one way or the other. When it happens to a friend, what do we do? Loving Your Friend Through Cancer answers that question for your best friend, you next door neighbor or your friend of a friend of a friend. The author's sweet spirit and deep desire to help others figure out how to help their friends and loved ones echo out of the pages of this book. From page one, it's like settling into a conversation with close personal confidante, one you can trust to share advice with truth and love.

[Susan Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know someone with cancer and you don’t know what to say or do, then this book will encourage, inspire, and guide you in ways that are loving and useful. A wellspring of information, I’ve never highlighted in a book as much as I have this one. The author’s personal story of fighting and surviving cancer is beautifully woven together with godly wisdom and practical insights to create an invaluable resource for anyone seeking ways to love and help a loved one battling cancer.
Marissa’s story and insight are long overdue for those on the sidelines of a friend or family member’s cancer journey. It meets a great need and will fill a gaping hole on bookshelves everywhere.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a practical but perfect book for people who are wondering how to step in and be a source of strength and comfort when someone is struggling with cancer. And, to be honest, much of the advice and guidance can be used in many situations. I appreciated the various levels of help you can offer depending on your relationship. If you're a really close friend vs. an acquaintance, or somewhere in between, the author suggests types of assistance you can provide she also helps the reader determine where you fall in that realm of cohort.

Thank you to NetGalley and P&R Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lisa P Clement · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of wisdom and guidance that could be used with anyone who is suffering trough a tragedy. We all know someone who is suffering through cancer and sometimes we have no clue what to do for them or how to support them. The author does a great job of sharing her story along with practical tips and ways that allow us to help and to support those we love in times of need.
Such a great resource. I think it is a book everyone should read because it can apply to so many different struggles.

[Nicole O'Meara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough. I've given away copies of it and will continue to do so. This is a faith-filled resource for you as you walk through ANY hard season with a friend, not just cancer. For those facing breast cancer, there are specific chapters on issues specifically related to that. For those facing a terminal diagnosis, there is a chapter for that. My greatest take-away is Marissa's motto: This is hard but God still loves you and I'm here. I have repeated that motto countless times since reading this excellent book.

[Elizabeth Turnage · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all want to know how we can help when our friend receives a cancer diagnosis. Marissa shows us how. Sharing some of her own story as a cancer survivor, she explains the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges our friend faces, then shares practical suggestions for meeting our friend in that place. Most importantly, she continually points us to the Friend who never fails our friend—Jesus, as the One who brings essential comfort in harrowing times.

[Michelle Nietert · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a professional counselor, I am so excited that this book can be placed in the hands of those walking beside friends and loved ones as they fight the battle of their lives with cancer. This book is full of both wisdom and practical suggestions.