I Need a Great Idea for My Sister's Birthday

Updated on April 19, 2008
J.C. asks from Columbus, OH
9 answers

Okay, everyone. I'm 99% sure my sister doesn't check this site any more, so I think I'm safe to ask.

My sister is currently going through treatment for breast cancer. Mastectomy, Chemo, and now two more weeks of radiation. It's been awful. I can't even go into how awful. She's married with two children and their lives have been turned upside down. But like I said ... two more weeks. Hopefully, all will be gone, she will be cancer free and we'll all live happily ever after and the effects of the radiation will be over.

Her birthday is at the end of May and we're having a huge cellebration for her. A real cellebration of her life. So I am looking for some suggestions for what we can do for her. Something fabulous and life affirming and sweet that wont need me to take out a second mortgage on our house.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. I love this site!

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M.G.

answers from Cleveland on

Here is a thought-- to celebrate her life, and life in general have a live plant/tree as party favors. You can purchase inexpensive plastic pots at a craft store and decorate them. Start some seeds now so that the sprouts can begin before the party. I like the idea of sun flowers since they are such a bright and cheery flower. Maybe she has a plant that is significant to her. Ask everyone to take and the sprout home and plant in celebration of her new life--ask them to send you digital photos of their plants and put these in a scrapbook along with photos from the party for her. Alternatively, try the same thing by just passing out decorated seed packets if you don't have a green thumb. Happy planning.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from Youngstown on

First- I hope your sister is ok- I cant even imagine that being my sister- my heart goes out to you.
If you have a video camera why not film little messages from friends/family- well wishes, ways she has touched their lives- that kind of feel good thing. You could play it at the party- it would be great if you could get your hands on a big tv or a projector and screen so that the whole party and your sister could see it together.
Also I think pictures are a great addition to party decor- you can have several great ones of happy moments of her life- childhood through now- have them blown up poster size and hang up on the walls- or do a big collage- its a great conversation piece too!
Good luck- I hope the party is a wonderful celebration!

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M.N.

answers from Cincinnati on

Scrapbooks, photo albums and just sharing wonderful memories (in writing) are great ways top celebrate life! Although we are not in the same city, I can help you with ideas, products, etc. to fit your time frame and budget, creating an archival quality keepsake for her and her family. Check out my website of my mom-owned business or email me back. Thanks.

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K.C.

answers from Columbus on

I'm sure you have some fun and silly photos of you two growing up together. Have some of them blown up or put into a collage and place them where all your guest can see. This will make for great conversation and lots of laughs.

Think pink! Pink is the color of breast cancer awareness, so why not incorporate it into your theme...plates, napkins, cake. Possibly a pink corsage made for your sister, the guest of honor.

Have a great party!

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M.H.

answers from Bloomington on

Celebrating her life and affirming why you're SO HAPPY to keep her in your life is great! Anything you can do to illustrate her life with photos would be wonderful. A keepsake like a piece of jewelry would be another good gift. Immediately a pendant set popped into my head- 3 circles engraved HOPE, BELIEVE, FRIENDSHIP. Can be purchased with or without a necklace.
http://www.mysilpada.com/sites/public/content/jewelry/vie...
Just call me if you'd like to order.
M. ###-###-####

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L.C.

answers from Dayton on

Okay, this is going to sound horrible at first, but let me explain. We always wait until someone is gone and then we give them this beautiful send off. We hear a eulogy of who they were or we all take turns telling everyone what this person meant to us. Why wait? Don't give it like a eulogy, but get everyone to video record their favorite story about your sister or a little word of love thanks and encouragement. You could start it off. Record everything she means to you and what all you have felt but haven't said. Send it to everyone to give them an idea of what you want. Have them send theirs to you and then make a compilation video of all of them.

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A.O.

answers from Indianapolis on

I would say think of the things that your sister loves and go from there. Like the last lady said about the comedian. You could also do a spa treatment that would make her feel wonderful. Maybe you could do a day at the spa with your sister. I went and got a massage, manacure,pedicure, and a hair cut and it took all day. I think it cost under $200. You can check at the spa. Sometimes the packages are cheaper. I think anything you do will be wonderful. Your sister will appreciate it. Good luck

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S.L.

answers from Cincinnati on

Wow, sounds like you and your sister have been thru a lot, about the Bday. How about setting up the old video screen, you know of her growing up days with family and friends! good luck and God Bless Your family..

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J.R.

answers from Cleveland on

I can't remember where I read this idea, but I thought it was great -- and it's very inexpensive.

Give each party guest a little decorative slip of paper, and have them write something wonderful about your sister...or an inside joke...or a special memory/story. Decorate a glass jar to store these special thoughts. You could also buy a vase or pretty box or something that she would like. Or, if you have one of those make-your-own-pottery places near you, you could personalize a piece of pottery for her.

Another idea: My fiance recently went through colon cancer treatment. We both enjoy comedians, and were in desperate need of humor. As luck would have it, one of our favorite comedians was in town on his birthday, and it was an "off week" for chemo (so he felt halfway OK) so I surprised him with tickets. We laughed harder than we had in months! As they say, laughter is the best medicine.

I hope this was helpful. I will keep your sister in my prayers. She must be pretty terrific, and I'd say you're pretty terrific, too, for wanting to make her birthday extra special. God bless!

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