What I Didn't Know I Needed: A Mother’s Story Behind the Newly Diagnosed Family Bag
When my sweet Max was diagnosed with leukemia at just 2 years old, my little baby. I didn’t sleep. I didn’t eat. I was in survival mode, but still expected to make decisions I never imagined having to make for my child. On top of his cancer diagnosis, he was fighting a life-threatening infection.
After 33 unimaginable days, days that have forever changed me as a person and mom. We got to take our sweet boy home.
We walked out of that hospital with a cancer diagnosis and a binder. I remember telling my husband, “God, I hope I remembered everything the nurses and doctors said.” While our hospital and staff have always been amazing, I quickly realized I needed syringes for his medicine, nausea bags. I remember Googling “pill crusher” at midnight.
I had to think about all the things that could help me as I had to go back to work to keep providing for my family and sweet boy. Especially with all the bills thrown our way.
It’s all these moments that inspired us to start Maxwell’s Toy Box, and why we created our Newly Diagnosed Family Bag — because no parent should face fear and confusion alone.
🎒What’s Inside the Bag — and Why It Matters:
Every single item we include was something I personally needed but didn’t know I’d need. These aren’t generic “care” items — they’re what I used to care for Max and myself:
Basic essentials for parents during hospital stays:
A blanket that doesn’t feel like the hospital to keep you warm, so you won’t feel cold at night.
Coffee/Tea mug because we deserve warm drinks.
A mattress topper because prioritizing your own rest is so important, so you can take care of your family.
Ongoing medical and medicine resources: Things the hospital sends you home needing, but doesn’t always explain how to use them:
The best pill organizer that aligns with Max’s treatment.
Thermometer, as you’re always on fever watch.
I found these nausea bags that didn't feel so clinical and sterile, as that is all my Max knew at the age of 2.
These nausea bags are great for car rides to the hospital.
Great and affordable pill cutter as parents turn into healthcare professionals.
Medication compliance is SO important for treatment. This is a great way to track with a daily medication log book.
Max always takes his medicine with apple juice, and these cups are great and durable, great to buy them in bulk too. Not all medicine cups are created equal.
This caddy has been great to store water, nausea bags, and anything else Max needs.
Gift cards that really help make a difference:
DoorDash gift cards are great for any items Max craves, as he receives steroids or just finally craves food since all the medication is so hard on their stomach. You also forget to eat as a parent, and staying fueled really helps.
Gas gift cards are vital. Max was hospitalized 8 times the first year, and I can’t tell you how many trips we made for just that.
Grocery gift cards are really helpful as cancer families are hit with so much from medication, medical bills, and not working. This can be the difference between dinner and medication for some families.
The hospital Max is treated at has a Panera Bread in the hospital. Having a gift card there from family/friends is always helpful. People can find out and get gift cards like that; it's about nourishing the whole family.
💛 A Note to Family & Friends:
If someone you love is navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, please know this: they don’t need you to fix it — they need you to show up and support them regularly — your presence makes a HUGE impact. Here’s what helped us most in the early days:
Sending meals to the hospital when Max was hospitalized
Spending time with friends for a cup of coffee in the lobby of the hospital, being vulnerable so Max didn’t have to see me cry, and for me to connect and recharge.
DoorDash gift cards — even $25 helps.
Offering to run errands.
Just checking in without expecting a reply.
Saying, “I’m here when you’re ready,” and meaning it.
Don’t say anything because you don’t know what to say. Say, “I don’t have the words, but I’m with you.” That’s more than enough.
Until the next one.
Sending so much love and prayer.
Dina
Mom, Founder & Childhood Cancer Advocate 💛
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