How to Support Friends Diagnosed with Cancer with Becky Manley
Friendships are forever changed when one someone is diagnosed with cancer.
How can you continue to show up for your friend, often over the span of few years, when you’re also dealing with life. This is a tough one, but a good one to remind us that life is short, and we can’t say “I love you” enough.
Supporting a friend with cancer is more than a frozen lasagna. In this episode of Lady Party, we’re getting real about the emotional ups and downs of being there for someone fighting cancer. Spoiler alert: there’s no perfect way to do it, but that doesn’t mean your efforts don’t matter.
We’re joined by our amazing friend Becky Manley, who’s been living with Stage IV breast cancer for three years. Becky gets candid about what actually helps (and what doesn’t), how to balance showing up without burning out, and why sometimes it’s okay to just say, “I don’t know what to say.” From navigating treatment updates to keeping it real when things get heavy, and small gifts (including free ones) you can send, we’re covering it all.
✨ Key Takeaways:
It’s the Little Things: Small, consistent gestures mean more than grand statements.
Be Honest About Your Feelings: It’s okay to admit when you’re unsure or overwhelmed.
Thoughtful > Perfect: Your friend doesn’t need perfection—they need you to show up.
Kids and Cancer: Supporting a friend’s family can be just as impactful as supporting them.
Balance Is Key: It’s okay to protect your own mental health while being a supportive friend.
🎁 Links to Family Resources:
Camp KESEM (free camp for kiddos whose parents have cancer)
We know it’s hard to know what to do or say when someone you love is fighting cancer. But showing up—even imperfectly—is what matters. Tune in for practical tips, real talk, and a whole lot of heart. 💪
