35 Ways You Can Change Someone's Life (including yours!)
A note from our founder, Courtney Johnson:
This past weekend, I turned 35.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m a first-time mom, or maybe it just comes with age, but I was feeling extra sentimental this year. Every message and phone call filled with me a warm sense of joy knowing that people were thinking of me.
This is what Cathy, one of our meal recipients, must’ve been feeling when she wrote this to us on her birthday…
"It seems everyone else forgot it was my birthday today. Your card is the only one I got this year, thank you.”
Cathy’s story, and my own recent birthday, remind me why caring for people is a core part of what we consider nourishment at Culinary Care.
The small gestures, like a happy birthday text or card in your meal delivery, are what remind us that we matter. They give us a chance to savor the moment.
So, for my birthday this year, I’m inviting you to help me celebrate by doing one thing (or 35 things!) that will change someone’s life — it could even be your own :)
35 Ways You Can Help Cancer Patients Celebrate More Milestones
It’s that time of year… the determined, inspirational, smart, and resilient leading lady of Culinary Care, Courtney Johnson, turned 35! 🎉 Courtney has dedicated her life to helping families navigating cancer, and in her honor, we’re launching a movement to spread kindness and support throughout the cancer community. And we’re inviting YOU to join us!
Community Support: A Lifeline for Families Navigating Cancer
Navigating cancer is incredibly challenging, but community support can make a significant difference. Research shows that a strong sense of community can reduce the risk of cancer mortality by 25%, highlighting the critical role of collective support in battling this disease. That’s why we’re committed to mobilizing our community to take meaningful action all year long. Here’s how…
We’ve put together a list of 35 ways you can help families navigating cancer celebrate more milestones for years to come. Every act of kindness you perform helps build a supportive community, which is essential for the well-being of cancer patients.
Whether you choose one, five, or fifteen ways to contribute, you’ll be directly helping families savor more time together by providing them with the nourishment, care, and community support they need during cancer treatment.
>> Psst… Don’t forget to share your acts of kindness on social media using the hashtag #SummerToSavor and tag Culinary Care so we can spread the love far and wide!
35 Ways to Give Families with Cancer the Nourishment and Care They Need
If there’s one thing you do today, this is it right here! ✨
Nourish & Give is the new Netflix & Chill. Join our monthly giving community, The Line. You’ll change someone’s life every month, and your life will change too.
2. Check in on a Friend with Cancer
A simple message or call to show you care can mean a lot to someone going through treatment, providing emotional support and connection.
3. Attend a Nourish Your Life Call
Heal, build friendships, and make a tangible difference. Join a virtual call to discover volunteer opportunities that will help you find personal fulfillment and community.
Let a cancer patient know they aren’t alone by signing a support card. Your words can provide comfort and encouragement, helping them feel connected.
5. Help a Friend or Family Member with Cancer
Offer to assist with errands, meals, or simply lend an ear. Your support can make a big difference, easing their burden and showing that you care.
6. Dine at Our Partner Restaurants
Support the businesses that help us provide meals to cancer patients by dining at one of our partner restaurants, nourishing both your body and our cause.
Encourage your company to participate in our Corporate Cook-Off, a fun way to support Culinary Care and build team spirit.
8. Leave a Positive Comment on Social Media
Encourage someone diagnosed with cancer by leaving a thoughtful and uplifting comment on their post, helping them feel seen and supported.
Organize a day at your office or with friends to create chemo care kits filled with essentials and comforting items for patients, bringing joy and relief during treatment.
10. Write a Thank You Letter to a Healthcare Worker
Show appreciation for the healthcare heroes who care for cancer patients by sending them a heartfelt thank you letter.
Spread the word about our mission by sharing this video with friends and family, increasing awareness and support.
Enjoy a night dedicated to supporting cancer recoveries and have a great time, knowing your participation helps nourish families. (Tickets go on sale July 18.)
Stay updated with our latest news and stories by subscribing to our newsletter, The Dish.
14. Recommend Courtney as a Speaker
Help us spread awareness by recommending Courtney as a speaker for events, podcasts, or companies.
Contribute items for our Gourmand Gala auction to help raise funds that will directly support cancer patients and their families.
16. Show Gratitude to Caregivers
Caregivers provide unwavering support and compassion, often without much recognition. If you know a caregiver who stands by a patient's side day in and day out, tell them they're doing a great job, offer a kind word, or send a thank you note.
Become part of a group of like-minded community leaders who want to use their skills to support events and fundraising efforts. By joining, you’ll advance professionally, make lasting connections, and drive impactful change in the fight against cancer.
18. Show a Little Love on Social Media
Stay connected and spread the word by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Become a sponsor for our Gourmand Gala and make a big impact.
20. Run the 2025 Chicago Marathon with Team Culinary Care
Make your miles more meaningful and join #TeamCulinaryCare for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Our bibs are claimed for 2024, but we’re accepting applicants for 2025.
21. Run the Run Mag Mile with Team Culinary Care
Join us for the Run Mag Mile and raise funds for Culinary Care while staying active and supporting cancer patients.
22. Share Culinary Care’s Mission on Social Media
Help us reach more people by sharing our mission and impact stories on your social media, spreading awareness and support.
23. Encourage Donations in Lieu of Gifts
Have a birthday or a big celebration coming up? Ask friends and family to donate to Culinary Care instead of buying gifts.
24. Start a Birthday Fundraiser on Facebook
Celebrate your birthday by starting a fundraiser on Facebook to support Culinary Care, inviting your friends to contribute to nourishing cancer recoveries.
25. Collect Items for Chemo Care Kits
Gather and donate items that can be included in our chemo care kits, bringing comfort and relief to patients during treatment. Email info@culinarycare.org for details.
26. Cook a Meal for a Friend
Try one of our delicious recipes from our Chef Partners and friends like mom’s meatloaf, cornbread muffins, or overnight oats, and share with a friend to help nourish them.
27. Contribute to a Recovery-Forward Workplace
50% of people with cancer feel apprehensive about sharing their diagnosis with employers. Contribute to cultivating an environment where individuals feel secure and cared for.
Join us at an event to show your support and have a great time, knowing your participation helps nourish families.
29. Host a Dinner Party
Invite friends and family to a dinner party and share Culinary Care’s mission, encouraging them to get involved. Yum!
30. Write and Share a Blog Post on culinarycare.org/blog
Use your writing skills to share about our mission and impact, spread awareness, and inspire others to get involved. Email info@culinarycare.org for next steps.
31. Organize a Community Fundraiser
Host a bake sale, garage sale, or car wash in your community to raise funds for Culinary Care, turning community activities into acts of kindness.
32. Create and Share a Tribute Video
Make a tribute video celebrating a loved one’s cancer journey and share it to inspire others, spreading hope and awareness.
33. Take a Lunch Break and Help Make Lunch Count
It may sound simple, but taking time for lunch is hard—48% of people report skipping lunch at least once a week. For cancer patients, skipping meals is often not a choice. We teamed up with top chefs to share practical kitchen hacks that make lunchtime a little easier. Watch the video during your lunch break for tips to nourish yourself and be the best version of you!
34. Spread Awareness at Your Workplace
Host a lunch-and-learn session about Culinary Care and how colleagues can get involved, fostering a supportive and informed workplace community.
Make a direct donation to support our programs and help families savor every moment together, providing the nourishment and care they need.
Let’s Help Families Savor More Moments Together
Wow, you made it to the bottom of the list! We love your commitment. Our most committed fans, like you, are members of The Line. We’d love to have you join them!
