My Friend Has Cancer?! Part 3 - The Power of Silence

My Friend Has Cancer?! Part 3 – The Power of Silence

b-present Team | October 20, 2020

Sometimes, saying nothing says it all.

When you are with a friend that is dealing with cancer, know there will be moments of silence. Embrace those moments, learn to become comfortable with them, and realize that sometimes silence is what your friend wants — with YOU by their side. The most impactful thing you can do for your friend is to be there for them. If it means sitting in a quiet room reading books together, going on a walk around the hospital, or having a movie marathon, know that it gives your friend strength to see that they aren’t doing these things alone. Silence is an opportunity to reflect, empathize with what your friend is going through, and appreciate your friendship. It assures them that you are in this for the long haul, through thick and thin.

The My Friend Has Cancer?! video series by Hernan Barangan offers strategies for friendship during cancer, with specific examples from survivors’ and friends’ real stories.

About Hernan Barangan

“I was 15 when I went through treatment for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Somehow I beat it – but I felt so much was wrong about my experience. Things that could have helped other young people survive were missing.

With hopes that I could improve the cancer experience for others, I started making short films about it. I wanted to show other patients that they are not alone — and to show the world that there are young people fighting cancer all around them. But I knew that in order to do this, I would have to hit the road. So I packed up my gear and set out on a trip that would take the next year of my life to complete.

I went to all 50 states, drove 25k miles of road, and collected 28TB of footage. But more important than that – I met 90 great people who I now call my friends. I hope you enjoy their stories as much as I enjoyed this journey.”