Pediatric cancer care is not an easy career choice. These doctors and nurses work tirelessly to see children get better. It can be a long, painful, and thankless journey. Parents and caregivers, you know just how vital a good care team is. Whether you’re a parent, friend, family member, or otherwise led to show appreciation for these dedicated medical professionals, here are nine small ways to express your gratitude:

9 Ways to Appreciate Your Pediatric Cancer Care Team

#1 – Handwritten Thank-You Notes

Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt, handwritten note! Write personalized thank-you notes expressing gratitude for how each team member has helped your child. You don’t have to be the most eloquent wordsmith. Just be sincere!

#2 – Photo Collage or Scrapbook

Create a collage or scrapbook featuring pictures of your child’s journey and the care team. Share it with them as a heartfelt token of appreciation. This could be as simple as using a platform like Canva, VistaPrint, or Shutterfly to create a collage postcard. You can knock out two birds with one stone by writing your thank-you note on the back! 

#3 – Small Gift Baskets

Gifts don’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. Put together small gift baskets with snacks, coffee, or personalized items and deliver them to the care team members. Other gift ideas include compression socks, fun lanyards for ID badges, and insulated mugs or water bottles. Coordinate with other cancer parents and caregivers if you want to go bigger. Raise funds or pool resources to secure gift cards or other tokens of appreciation.

#4 – Artwork from Your Child

If your child is creative, have them create a piece of artwork for their medical team. This personal touch can be so meaningful. It’s a beautiful memento by a real child impacted by their involvement and care. For nurses and doctors, these are the kinds of things that remind them why they do what they do. It doesn’t have to be a drawing or painting, either. Kids can make crafts, too. Friendship bracelets, for example, can be worn as a constant, tender reminder of your child.

#5 – Organize a Potluck or Catered Meal

Coordinate with other families in similar situations and organize a potluck or catered meal to treat the care team to a delicious and heartfelt lunch. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. Many restaurants have catering options, from tapas and tacos to subs and salads! Or, go the homemade route. If you can’t get other families together, bake cookies or another easy snack to share. You could do something as simple as pick up a few dozen donuts for a team breakfast.

#6 – Provide Positive Feedback

Share positive feedback through hospital or clinic surveys. Recognize individual team members for their exceptional care and support. Drawing attention to higher-ups and the medical world can elevate respective careers and bolster the hospital’s reputation. If you had an outstanding experience, say so! Too many people only leave reviews or comments when they feel negatively. 

#7 – Donate to a Charity in Their Name

Donate to a cancer-related charity in honor of the care team or the individuals in it. Share this information with them, expressing that their work inspired your contribution. 

#8 – Holiday Cards or Seasonal Greetings

Send the care team holiday cards or seasonal greetings, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. We’d encourage sending one each year, especially with photos of your child or family included! It’s so sweet and meaningful for nurses and doctors to see how their patients continue to grow and thrive long after their recovery.

#9 – Stay Connected

Stay in touch with the care team even after treatment has concluded. Share updates about your child’s progress and achievements, letting them know their positive impact on your family’s life. You might not feel compelled to connect with everyone – but if you both feel comfortable, add one another on social media or to an email list.

Remember, the key is to be sincere and thoughtful in your expressions of gratitude. These small gestures can go a long way in making the care team feel valued and appreciated for their critical work.