Bringing a casserole may seem cliche, but when a friend or family member is facing a difficult medical diagnosis or recovery, every little bit really does help.

Sometimes, it’s also about finding the right words to say and just being there for a mom or dad whose child is facing a tough road to better health.

Crystal Collins knows all too well the pain of watching her child suffer, but she also experienced the beauty of a loving and supportive community around her family during that difficult time. Her daughter, Jakiah Collins, was diagnosed with a form of kidney cancer in 2012 and went through several months of chemotherapy at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Jakiah’s been cancer free for more than six years now, but Crystal still remembers how her family was cared for during that tough time. Here’s what she had to say about supporting those around you who are facing cancer or another tough diagnosis.

What were the most helpful things friends and family members did for you during the time when Jakiah was receiving treatment?

We were definitely surrounded by love and support. We were given food, money and offers to sit with Jakiah so that we could have some time to think and breathe. They banded together and made sure our son Jai did not lack in love. They helped us make sure he got to and from school each day, and they helped us give him the attention he needed while we were supporting his sister. All these things made life a little easier considering what our family was facing.

Were there any questions you wish people had not asked you while Jakiah was sick?

The only hard part was answering questions when we really didn’t have all the answers ourselves. I can really say that our support system didn’t ask what we needed or if we were OK, they just did what they could and that was good enough for us.

What advice would you give to someone who has a friend with a family member facing a difficult diagnosis?

I would tell that person to be there. If that person is truly your friend, you need to be there with open arms and listening ears. Sometimes encouragement is not always needed. Sometimes we just need to cry and have someone that loves us on the other end. Sometimes we do need the words of encouragement.

Make time to come around and get their mind off of what’s in front of them, if only for a moment. Don’t get frustrated if your friend can’t verbalize what he or she needs from you. When they call, run! Because if the friend is anything like me, I don’t ask unless I’m really in need, so me calling is a rarity and means that I’m not doing very well. And most importantly love them through it all.

Dashing Into Action

Another way you can show your support for kids facing a cancer diagnosis is by participating in Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s annual Superhero Dash-N-Bash. The event raises money for the pediatric cancer and blood disorder department (Hematology/Oncology) at ACH and is packed with fun for the whole family.

DJ Kramer from Hot 94.9 will emcee and there will be a hair cutting and donation area, bounce houses for kids to play in, food, music, superheroes to interact with and more. Attendees are all invited to come dressed in their favorite superhero attire.

What: Superhero Dash-N-Bash | Where: War Memorial Stadium
When: Sept. 7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Why: Raise Funds for ACH
Website: Give.ARChildrens.org/Superhero