THE FIRST MEAL APPEARED on the back doorstep on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Stored in a plain brown box, it contained a roasted chicken and potatoes, butternut squash, steamed spinach and even a few healthy frozen dinners. My husband Adam and I found it on our return from his latest trip to the hospital, his latest of many to specialists in the previous six months.

We went inside and sat down to eat. Adam still looked weak and we were both exhausted. But we dug in to the delicious meal, the likes of which neither of us had had the energy to make in recent memory.

When my friend Chuck Gregory had approached me some weeks before about organizing meals for our family, I reluctantly agreed. At the time, my intent was more to show gratitude for such a thoughtful gesture.

Surely, we wouldn’t need help for long, I thought.

So begins Friends Indeed: How to Help During a Serious Illness, by Fiftyshift.com author Helene Powers. It's been one year since we published this booklet, and it's been very well received at talks and meet-ups all over the Northeast. Cancer caregiving groups have found Friends Indeed to be a good starting point in helping caregivers build their support network. 

In this short booklet, Helene tells the story of the final year of her husband Adam's life, and the important role of the organized caregiving group called The Krewe, in helping them get through.

Part memoir, part resource guide, Friends Indeed can spark discussion and answer questions for groups and individuals who wants to help a caregiver of a chronically ill person, but don't know how to begin. 

With resources, information and tips, it's useful for church and cancer care groups, hospitals and other helping organizations.

This booklet is resonating at readings, in church groups and with individuals who find themselves in a caregiving capacity when they least expected it. Baystate Medical Center has purchased bulk copies for use in its cancer support groups. Consider donating to your church or civic organization.

Friends Indeed is now available, in individual copies and for bulk purchase for groups. To purchase by check, please write to P.O. Box 342, Charlemont, MA 01339. Questions? E-mail us: editorial@fiftyshift.com.