When I was 9, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4, Mixed Cell, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was the late nineties and his prognosis wasn’t great, but there was a new drug providers thought would be the answer - Rituxan. TLDR: my dad has been in remission since he completed treatment for his first and only occurrence. 

I met Shanna when I was pregnant with Everett and she was pregnant with Aurora - Kai and Derek worked at the forest service together and I heard she was also kind of a B. I love a spicy lady. We immediately bonded over our mutual ‘ick’ of touchy feely people and being overly independent.

Shanna’s water broke at work, her manager drove her to the hospital, and before the epidural could even take, Aurora was earthside. When we came to visit a couple hours later, Shanna was pooping, because she is a freak of nature whose babies willingly are born without surgical intervention &amp; apparently without constipation 🙄

Everett and Aurora are 2 months apart and at 1 month and 3 months, we let Kai and Derek talk us into camping. It was really stupid and no one slept except Derek and Kai - a common theme.

When Shanna found out she was pregnant with her second - Weston, she begged me to get pregnant with her again because it would be “SO FUN!” (misery loves company). I laughed in her face and had a glass of champagne; I was already 8 weeks pregnant. Oop.

As the story goes, we took our maternity photos together &amp; Weston and Hailey were born two days apart; Aurora was much more helpful than Everett, who regularly told me my baby was crying. We took them to much better accommodations than camping at less than a month old (we have no idea why we’re like this), to help overcome the camping trauma, obviously. 

A few weeks ago Shanna was supposed to go to the Philippines, but when she posted a photo from somewhere other than my husband’s birth place, I immediately knew something was off, so I slid my ass into those DMs with 500 questions and demanded to know what was up. 

She’d had an xray of her chest and they saw a mass. However, the xray captured her boob outline fabulously and honestly, it’s frame worthy. She would then go on to have a biopsy a couple of weeks later, only to learn the mass had grown and she was likely dealing with stage 3 Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Fuck, right? 

But, there was one thing we were not going to do and that was wallow. I strapped on my big girl undies and began firing off words of encouragement - "This is fucking stupid and not at all fair, but you’re a tough ass bitch and we are not ‘light up the room’ girlies; people do not write loving obituaries about bitches like us, so obviously you won’t die, and this will be a super cute story Aurora can tell everyone (including colleges) about overcoming obstacles, just like I did."

Inside though, 9 year old me was looking right at Aurora, knowing the journey she’s about to take on is far beyond her years. But, when Shanna kicks this thing, Aurora will be funny as shit and maybe I’ll even buy her her first thong to wear to an infusion appointment, like I did, you know, for the core mems. 

The reality though, is I’ve never been a Mom without Shanna. I’ve never told anyone how much my husband truly drives me bonkers, other than Shanna. I’ve never shared my truest feelings, no matter how gross and misguided, with anyone but Shanna, because something in our souls just gets each other. 

Shanna starts treatment Monday, with 5 days of infusions (that she can luckily take home with her) and 16 days between for a total of 18 weeks. At the end, she'll be cancer free, and we'll go to Mexico. 

Anyway, shits about to get real, but if you know Shanna, you know she’s got this, because she’s a tough ass bitch. 


Some notes - Shanna will take time from her job as a manager at North Comm Dispatch, providing emergency response to North County San Diego - a job she is extremely passionate about, to receive treatment. Kai is a Federal Firefighter in San Diego, with a schedule that can be less than forgiving. 

Aside from Shanna likely not wanting to cook, or clean, or do much of anything, Kai isn't very good at those things either, so we'd love to rally the masses for door dash, freezer meals, house cleaning, kid watching, Kai watching, etc.

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Shanna Devine

Hot Mess Healing for Shanna

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With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

DoorDash

DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

Spreadsheet Download

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What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
Why We Love This Gift: Whether as a baby gift or to replenish supplies around the house, to cheer up a sick kid, or help someone with prescription costs, you can almost always find exactly what you need at Target. We love this gift because it enables your recipient with endless options and the ability to purchase precisely what they need - no questions asked.
What To Say In Your Card: I thought this might come in handy. I am sending you so much love!

Target

Target - Target Gift Card

This is the perfect gift for any family or any loved one with medical needs. Send help to those you love to provide care in the form of a CVS e-gift card.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone has medical needs from time to time. Often, medical insurance with high deductibles eats into the ability of a family to cover unanticipated medical expenses. An e-gift card ensures that those you love get that which they need to heal - with adequate respect for their privacy. Perfect. This is very useful in any medical crisis in very specific ways. Supplements useful in various treatments are expensive and not covered. This is applicable to surgical patients, cancer patients, pediatric patients, and more. Medical equipment can be ordered - such as canes or walkers and your recipient can pay using their gift card.
What To Express in Your Card: What else do you need me to do? At the ready. xo

CVS Pharmacy&reg;

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy&reg; - CVS Pharmacy Gift Card

The digital Visa gift card is another convenient option for supporting someone when they need it most. It allows the recipient to select their own essentials or gifts from a wide range of merchants. The card will be emailed to your recipient’s inbox and is for online or by phone use only. It’s a thoughtful way to show your support and let them know you’re there for them.
Why we love this gift: 
With ever-changing needs, this gift allows your loved one to purchase whatever they need, whenever they need it. The digital Visa gift card is a fast, easy way to put funds in your recipient’s hands. This gift card is all about giving them that flexibility and peace of mind.

Looking for a memorable gift that adapts to any situation?
The physical Visa gift card combines the practicality of a Visa credit card—usable both in-store and online—and the thoughtfulness of a greeting card. For just $5.95 and the cost of your chosen shipping method, we will print your custom Give InKind Visa gift card and personalized greeting card, and send directly to your loved one. The versatility and personal touch of this gift makes it no surprise this is our most gifted card.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-235811 size-full" style="margin: 0 auto;" src="https://cms.giveinkind.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GreetingCard-getWell.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="386" />
Why we love this gift:
<ul>
<li>Versatility: Needs can change quickly in challenging times. This all-purpose gift card allows your loved one to purchase precisely what they need, when they need it. Be it a comforting meal, a therapy session, spa treatment, fuel, diapers, or countless other possibilities. No questions asked.</li>
<li>Personalization: Add a heartfelt message to both the gift card itself and the greeting card. Pick your favorite among the many available greeting card designs to give your gift a personal touch. And for those urgent moments, you can always choose to have your gift shipped overnight.</li>
<li>Show you care: It’s the perfect way of letting a recipient know you are thinking of them, no matter how far away they may be. Whether it’s sending love after the birth of a new baby, some healthy vibes with a Get Well card, or even a simple ‘Thinking of You’ your gift can truly make a difference for a friend going through some intense times.</li>
</ul>

The Give InKind Custom Visa card is the perfect way to show your support during challenging times, or anytime you want to show you care. Whether you're sending love after the birth of a new baby, or sending good vibes during a difficult period, the Give InKind Custom Visa card is the perfect way to show your support.
This card is available with an optional greeting card, so you can add a personal touch to your gesture. And for those urgent moments, you can always choose to have your card shipped overnight.
The Give InKind Custom Visa card is more than just a card. It's a way to make a difference in the lives of those you love, and give them the support they need. Show your support today with the Give InKind Custom Visa card.
Additional charges will apply at checkout depending on delivery preferences. There are no additional charges for any digital cards sent via email.

Visa Gift Card

Visa Gift Card - Visa Gift Card

Visa Gift Card - Visa Digital Gift Card

Chipotle offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.
Through their vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that - where possible - are sustainably grown and raised responsibly with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. And...delicious too!
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because Chipotle offers a clean and affordable fast food alternative. This is a great gift for anyone - who doesn't love Chipotle?
What To Express In Your Card: I miss you! Grab a meal. Sending you love.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.

Chipotle - Chipotle Gift Card

This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it's appropriate for any situation. Let your recipient choose just what they need, when they need it... with ease, convenience, and endless options.
What To Express In Your Card: I'm sending you my love.

Amazon.com

Amazon

Amazon.com - Amazon Gift Card

<a href="https://instacart.oloiyb.net/c/1246143/413183/7412" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instacart</a> is a grocery delivery service that delivers in as little as an hour. They connect you with Personal Shoppers in your area who pick up and deliver your groceries from your favorite local stores.
Why We Love This Gift: Shopping for groceries is a chore under the best of circumstances. For families facing a new lift event or crisis, it is very often incredibly stressful. The gift of a cupboard full of basic necessities is tremendous. It is a wonderful way to remind those you love that you have not forgotten the day-to-day challenges they face. You are telling them in no uncertain terms that they are not alone.
What to Express in Your Card: I was thinking about the things you have to get done every day. I hope you'll let me help a little by giving me a chance to buy you some groceries - and have them delivered to you. Just one lest task for you to worry about. I send you my love.

Instacart

Instacart - Instacart Gift Card

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.
Why We Love This Gift: Because it is coffee. We love this gift for that reason, but also because coffee (and tea) can facilitate conversation. People stop and talk over coffee and tea. Barista-made cups of coffee or steaming cups of hot tea are among life's "little" indulgences - the kind of thing that lifts people up. They are also among the first things people slash from tight budgets. Help them put it back. This gift is suitable for anyone to whom you want to express concern, consideration, or love. Also, here is a hot tip: teenagers love Starbucks. It is a great gift for a teenager.
What to Express in Your Card: I was just thinking about you as you grapple with recent events. I hope you will take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee - I know you are a latte fan. Maybe we can even meet for a cup? I'd love to know how you are doing and what I can do to be helpful. I send you lots of love.

Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

Starbucks - Starbucks Gift Card

Uber Eats is the easy way to get the food you love delivered.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it allows the recipient to choose exactly what they want, when they want it. Sometimes we need to have a backup plan tucked away in our pocket, and Uber Eats is it. Bonus: Uber Eats gift cards are also redeemable for Uber rides.
What To Say In Your Card: Please eat something. I am thinking about you.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats - Uber Eats Gift Card

Sephora offers a vast and diverse selection of prestige beauty products including makeup, skincare, and fragrances in our 250 stores nationwide and online. From classic brands like Clinique to hard-to-find brands like Dior and Too Faced, Sephora provides easy access to over 13,000 products and more than 200 brands.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers an indulgence. It pampers those who need a little extra love and attention. When unexpected medical costs mount, little indulgences can fall by the wayside. Prevent this from happening. As a body works to heal, scaffolding that healing with just a little bit of extra can be a really lovely and sustaining gesture. (A gift card is preferable to a gift basket because heavily scented lotions can hinder healing and so it is recommended to confer with doctors and other medical personnel). As well, Military spouses are sometimes in need of a little indulgence. This is also a good gift for teenagers who may need a little extra attention for any number of reasons.
What To Express In Your Card: I saw this and I just thought that you might like to choose a little something for you. Something you don't need. Please choose something you want. I am thinking lots about you.
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Sephora

Sephora - Sephora Gift Card

Domino's gift cards can be redeemed for pizza, sandwiches, desserts, and much more. Try their Artisan Pizza, Stuffed Cheesy Bread, Oven Baked Sandwiches, Parmesan Bread Bites, or Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes. With the Domino's Pizza gift card, you can dine in the restaurant or order home-delivered pizza online. Treat someone to a Domino's gift card today.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone loves sharing their favorite slice of pizza with someone they love. For example, those who have lost a loved one may sometimes permit themselves a little comfort and companionship. In such a circumstance, a meal shared is a true and lasting kindness. If the deceased was a breadwinner, the bereaved may be watching the wallet. Enable this person you love to grab a meal - wherever s/he is.
What To Express in Your Card: Please have something to eat.

Domino's

Domino's - Dominos Gift Card

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.
Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, and a menu free of man-made trans-fat, Panera is committed to providing great tasting quality food people can trust.
With a wide variety of year-round favorites, their menu is complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Wi-Fi access.
Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient, comfortable, and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene and a little headspace.
What To Express In Your Card: Please stop for a minute and eat something. Let's catch up soon? I love and miss you.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.

Panera Bread - Panera Gift Card

ULTA Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for makeup, fragrance, skin, hair care products, and salon services.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers an indulgence. It pampers those who need a little extra love and attention. When a person is ill sometimes a little pampering can actually be helpful than we know.
When unexpected medical costs mount, little indulgences can fall by the wayside. Prevent this from happening. (A gift card is preferable to a gift basket because heavily scented items can make people in treatment feel very nauseous so it is best for the recipient to choose their preferred items).
Or, help a newly separated person to move back out into the dating world at a pace that is comfortable. Remind them of how attractive they are. Or, bolster their interview spirits as they wait for their opportunity. Help a loved one to stay ready to interview at the drop of a hat when the default has become dry shampoo and yoga pants. Help them stay refreshed and ready to seize any professional opportunity. Enable them to be make-up ready for the interview.
What To Express In Your Card: I saw this and I just thought that you might like to choose a little something for you. Something you don't need. Please choose something you want. I am thinking lots about you.

Ulta Beauty

ULTA Gift Cards are redeemable for merchandise and services in all ULTA locations in the United States and at www.ulta.com. 
Redeemable instore and online 
No returns and no refunds on gift cards.

Ulta Beauty - ULTA Beauty Gift Card

Marshalls Gift Cards - premium clothes at outlet prices.
Why We Love This Gift: Premium clothes at outlet prices, what's not to like? We love this gift because it enables the recipient to make their own selection from overflow design options. Everyone can use a quality designer piece.
What To Express in Your Card: I thought you might be able to use this. Have fun!

Marshalls

Marshalls - Marshalls Gift Card

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Amie hugs her boys

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Lori Shaffer

In a child's mind - the word cancer isn't necessarily a scary word. Get tips for how to talk to your kids about a cancer diagnosis.

Talking to Your Kids About Your Cancer - Give InKind

I have cancer. How do I tell my kids? In a child&#8217;s mind &#8211; the word cancer isn&#8217;t necessarily a scary word. Don&#8217;t scare them with your own fear. When Amie Lands was diagnosed with aggressive Head &amp; Neck cancer, her boys were only six and two. Throughout her battle, Amie, a Certified Grief Coach, [&hellip;]

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Give InKind

General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Tara Shafer

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to support a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for additional information.

How To Help A Family Through Cancer Treatment

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to help a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for more.

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