What to Say (and Not Say) When a Child Has Cancer: How to Truly Support Families

Send us Fan MailWhen a family is facing childhood cancer—or grieving the loss of a child—many of us want to help but don’t know what to say. In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Abby Breyfogle, a mom, advocate, and nonprofit leader whose family has experienced both survivorship and unimaginable loss.Abby shares her journey as the mother of identical twins diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as infants, the heartbreak of losing her daughter Kendal at just two years old, and the joy of celebrating her twin Kenedi as a survivor. Together, Brandi and Abby have an honest, compassionate conversation about grief, community, and the real do’s and don’ts of supporting families facing childhood cancer.This episode equips listeners with practical, meaningful ways to show up—what to say, what not to say, and why actions often matter more than words. Abby also shares how her family turned pain into purpose by creating a childhood cancer journal to help other families navigate diagnosis and treatment, and how her children continue Kendal’s legacy through advocacy and fundraising.Whether you’re supporting a friend, a classmate, a neighbor, or simply want to be more confident showing compassion in hard moments, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to act.💡 Key TakeawaysYou don’t need the perfect words—presence and action matter more than speechesSimple phrases like “I’m so sorry” and “I’m here” are often enoughAvoid minimizing grief or trying to “fix” the pain with platitudesAsking permission before using a child’s name can be deeply respectfulShowing up with meals, notes, or quiet support can mean everythingGrief doesn’t go away—it changes, and families carry both joy and sadnessChildren can play a powerful role in supporting classmates with cancerAdvocacy often begins with lived experience and small acts of courageCreating space to talk about loss helps families feel less aloneEveryone has a role to play in supporting the pediatric cancer community💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!My Childhood Cancer Fight - A JournalTeagan's Twice the Fight Fundraising PageSubscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.Thank you to guest Abby Breyfogle. STAY CONNECTED.IG: instagram.com/brandi.devriesWant to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now.SPOTIFY