David Schwimmer spotlights ways loved ones of cancer patients can show support.
- David Schwimmer is participating in "The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer" because of a person connection.
- Schwimmer lost his grandmother to cancer, and his sister is a brave survivor.
- Loved ones of cancer patients can show their support by getting involved and showing you care. People like Schwimmer and Katie Couric are doing that by using their public platform to educate others about cancer.
- Other ways to support a loved one through cancer can include helping to ease anxiety they may feel. You can do that by running errands for them or cooking for the family. Our gift guide also suggests meaningful items you can give them to help them through their journey.
Schwimmer, 56, admits he is a fan of the U.K. based cooking show “The Great British Bake Off,” but for this celebrity edition showcasing famous guests' culinary skills, its greater purpose motivated him to participate when the opportunity presented itself.
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"National Sibling Day was yesterday, and I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate and thank my big sister," Schwimmer wrote.
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"She's been there for me through thick and thin, through so much laughter and, yes, tears (like when she 'accidentally' slammed the bathroom door on my hand). I could be more grateful to have such an amazing person in my life. Love you Ellie," he continued.
While it's unclear what exact form of cancer Ellie and Schwimmer's family endured, the lasting impact of their battles moved David to do what he can to support their journey’s even if that means flexing his culinary muscles on a popular TV show.
Supporting the Fight Against Cancer
Schwimmer's participation on "The Great Celebritity Bake Off" demonstrates one way loved ones of cancer survivors can show their support. He is getting involved by lending his celebrity to raise awareness and money to help fight cancer.
"I am just grateful I can help in any small way raise more awareness," Schwimmer said.
“I am here to have fun. I am here to raise money for a great charity. It’s a great cause and I happen to be a massive fan of the show.”
Schwimmer isn’t along in his fight against cancer. Stand Up to Cancer was actually co-founded by journalist Katie Couric, who has dedicated much of her life to raising awareness about cancer and helping survivors. Cancer has affected Couric in countless ways, with her parents and sister both developing the disease. Her first husband passed away from colon cancer, and Couric herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. She has worked hard to encourage people to keep up with their regular cancer screenings and to have open conversations with their doctors about any changes to their bodies.
Couric and Schwimmer are great examples of how to use platforms available to you to honor the memory of loved ones lost and aid in the journey of survivors you knows.
Being There for Cancer Survivors
It is important cancer warriors in the midst of their fight to have a strong support system. But we can’t all bake cakes for Paul Hollywood! So how can you support a loved on in your life who is fighting cancer? SurvivorNet suggests multiple ways you can do so.
Dr. Shelly Tworoger, a researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center told SurvivorNet that “there's a number of common things cancer patients can experience, such as anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, social isolation and sometimes even PTSD.” So helping to ease those feelings is a great way to support your loved one.
You can help complete household chores or running errands during the day, which your loved one may not have the time or energy to do. Or, you can simply lend an ear so patients can talk through their feelings, which can help them cope with what they are experiencing during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, there are some practical tips to help you interact with your loved one in a meaningful way. Our experts suggest to avoid asking “how you can help.” Instead, be proactive and offer tangible things you can do for them to make their lives easier. That could include bringing them food, cooking them dinner or playing a board game with them anything that will bring them joy.
READ MORE: Family Love and Support Makes a World of Difference During Cancer Treatment
You may also be interested in sending them gifts to help them through their cancer journey. Our gift guide for cancer patients offers several suggestions for meaninful items you can give your loved one, such as bubble bath supplies for a night of self care or a nice, warm blanket for comfort during a chemo session.
Standing Up to Cancer Through Baking
During the show, celebrities aim to impress judges, Paul Hollywood, and Prue Leith. The best baker is awarded the star baker apron. Schwimmer's episode will also feature Tom Daley, Jesy Nelson, Rose Matafeo, Adele Roberts, Coleen Nolan, Gemma Collins and Paddy McGuinness as celebrity guests. The contestants must bake a "meringue depicting their 'biggest celebrity fail,’" according to The Mirror.
Schwimmer's final product will resemble a large rabbit which was inspired by a flubbed line the actor once uttered.
"I am a Roman governor. I am supposed to ask Jesus, 'Is it true when you entered the city of Jerusalem you came through the golden gates accompanied by a large rabble?," Schwimmer said recalling a script.
"Instead the line came out, 'Is it true when entering the golden gates, accompanied by a large rabbit?'," he added.
The episode will premiere on March 19 on Channel 4.
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