Building Your Support System

Caregiving for someone with pancreatic cancer can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Building a strong support system ensures that you have the emotional, practical, and spiritual resources needed to sustain your role. At Sky Foundation, we believe community is essential—our committees and survivor-led groups are here to connect you with people who truly understand this journey.

Why a Support System Matters

Research shows that caregivers with strong support systems experience lower stress, better health outcomes, and more resilience. A support system isn’t just about having people nearby—it’s about having the right people and resources around you.

Emotional support: Friends, family, or peers who listen without judgment.
Practical help: People who provide meals, rides, or help with errands.
Professional support: Counselors, medical teams, or financial advisors.
Community connection: Caregiver and survivor networks that offer shared experience and wisdom.

Finding Caregiver Support Groups

Support groups—whether online or in-person—create safe spaces for caregivers to share their challenges and successes.

Local hospitals and cancer centers often host caregiver groups.
Online platforms such as Zoom or dedicated forums provide flexibility.
Specialized communities connect caregivers based on diagnosis, age, or family role.

Sky Foundation offers a Support Circle comprised of pancreatic cancer survivors and advocates who connect directly with you to help you along your path.

Connecting With Other Families

Building relationships with other families facing pancreatic cancer can provide perspective and reassurance.

Share stories: Hearing from other caregivers helps normalize your own experiences.
Exchange tips: Learn strategies for managing appointments, nutrition, and stress.
Offer encouragement: Sometimes, the best support comes from someone who has “been there.”

Using Technology to Stay Connected

Technology can help caregivers share updates and reduce the number of repetitive conversations with extended family and friends.

CaringBridge & Lotsa Helping Hands: Platforms that allow you to update many people at once.
Shared calendars and apps: Keep family members informed about appointments and care needs.
Group chats: Quick way to coordinate meal trains, rides, or childcare.

Leaning on Professional & Faith-Based Support

Professional counselors, therapists, and clergy can help caregivers process grief, anxiety, or fear. Many hospitals offer oncology-specific social workers who understand the unique challenges of cancer caregiving.

Ask your hospital about in-house counseling or referrals.
Explore faith-based communities for spiritual encouragement.
Consider individual or family counseling when emotions become overwhelming.

Key Takeaway

Building a strong support system is essential for caregivers of pancreatic cancer patients. From family and friends to survivor-led communities, technology, and professional guidance, these networks provide both strength and stability. Sky Foundation is here with survivor-led committees, community resources, and Legacy Giving opportunities that ensure your caregiving journey—and your resilience—create a lasting impact.