What’s the best gift you were given during cancer treatment?

Ahead of the holiday season, we asked several City of Hope patients to share the best gift they received during their cancer journey. Here, the group reflects on the meaningful memories and gifts given to them.

1. Mark F.: “The best holiday gift I received as a cancer patient was after chemotherapy. I was able to enjoy my family during Christmas on the beach!”
   
2. Sherry P.: “My best holiday gift I received was a beautiful red plush robe from Victoria’s Secret from a friend of mine. It really kept me cozy.”
3. Jennifer T.: “The best holiday gift I received was from my mom and her neighbor. They put up and took down the majority of my Christmas decorations the year I was going through treatment, which was incredible. They left a few things for us to do so my kids could have an opportunity to participate.”
4. Karyn C.: “I believe the best gift I received was the gift of people's time! It can be so monotonous waiting around between appointments and procedures. People would stop by with yummy goodies, which were fantastic in and of themselves! But the best part was, I could convince them to come in for a cup of coffee or tea, and just visit. I even did it on Zoom with people during COVID! Spending that time, when all you’re allowed to do to get out of the house as a patient is go to the doctor's office, was the best gift ever!”
5. Donald W.: “In 2018 after my diagnosis and surgery, the best holiday gift I received as a cancer patient was the gift of life. Then I got some golf clubs and accessories to get me back active and off the couch!”
6. Eric K.: “Cancer patient or not, our Christmas lists morph over the years. As I transitioned from carefree young adult to parenthood, my wish list moved from what do I want to ‘get’ to what do I want to ‘experience.’ I am now thoroughly convinced some of the best gifts are experiences that remain with you far longer than the possessions that come in a box with a bow. As a cancer patient in 2014, I was about to leave Texas for City of Hope in Arizona to begin six weeks of radiation treatment. I had just had major surgery and physically I wasn’t in a place to do much in the way of strenuous activity. On a cool November day, a familiar truck pulled up to my house and out of it came an old friend. With him he brought a ladder and tools and proceeded to hang Christmas lights and decorations on my house. He didn't call first. He didn't ask any questions. He didn't expect anything in return. He simply knew that my wife and I had an affinity for Christmas and decorating the house, and he knew that it was something he could do to make a positive impact on us in those post surgery days. We had many people support us during my cancer treatment, but that day, Tim's unsolicited efforts to make a tough holiday season a little bit better are one of the Christmas experiences that are etched into our memories forever.”
7. Chris P.: “My best gift is a two-parter. When I was diagnosed, I was given till Christmas to live. I made it to the holidays that first year. It was the best present ever. I also got my first Tiffany's necklace that my family bought for me. To survive longer than was told—priceless.”
8. Jennifer B.: “Choosing a favorite gift from my first holiday season post cancer diagnosis is certainly difficult. It was filled with a heightened perspective of gratitude toward life, family, love and overwhelming joy. However, a material gift that I found comforting and cozy was a weighted blanket! I found it sort of mimics a big body hug which gave me comfort and reduced my anxiety. Allowing me to get a more restful sleep. I still love wrapping myself up in its soft embrace. Now my daughters have one each as well so they stop stealing mine!”