The recent Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in my city had me thinking about the thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer every year who must undergo incredible amounts of stress — all the way from that moment of detecting a lump in their breast, to the slew of cancer-fighting procedures to, hopefully, recovery and resumption of a normal life. One statistic I came across said that every 2.5 minutes, on average, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Virtually everyone knows someone who’s fighting breast cancer. And if that someone is close to you, certainly you thought about, or are thinking about, what you could do to help relieve her stress and generally be supportive.

I browsed the merchandise areas of Komen for the Cure and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to see what they suggested. For instance, you can purchase pink-ribbon-decorated stainless steel water bottles, to remind your friend or relative to stay hydrated. You can buy pink-striped sleep socks or pink and polka-dotted flannel pants, for those times when the patient needs to get cozy or to rest. You could consider scented candles, to promote relaxation. Also, there are “HautePink” lip gloss balls, a plethora of T-shirts, jewelry pieces, hand lotions, books and stationery items.

These are great ideas, but you wouldn’t necessarily have to purchase these exact products. You could let them inspire your own creative ideas. For instance, you could put together a gift basket of comfort food. Maybe you could shop for a special cap or scarf or a stuffed animal. How about a spa gift certificate, a CD of relaxing music, a book of poems, fresh flowers, even vitamins? Buy the DVD of a funny movie that you could watch together. Put together the supplies to give her a manicure or help her with a new makeup routine.

Little gifts like these are great for lifting spirits and relieving stress. But remember, one of the best gifts is being there — offering that simple stretch of time filled with companionship.

As Komen for the Cure points out in an informational pamphlet, if someone you love has breast cancer, you are a co-survivor. You will be providing lots of support in the way of trips to the doctor, help around the house, preparing meals, and the care of children and pets, if needed.

You can provide emotional support by being a good listener, helping your loved one share her feelings and respecting her need for privacy. And of course, there are hugs … lots of hugs.

Written by Deborah Ross.