This year, we broadened our annual campaign to highlight a different cancer each month. To help spread awareness, we created projects using each cancer’s designated colors, working exclusively with solid fabrics and experimenting with a variety of sewing techniques.
We received color cards from 16 different fabric manufacturers, and from those, we selected three or more colors each month to represent every awareness color in the most beautiful way possible. If you'd like to join us in sewing for awareness, we’ve gathered all those selections into a comprehensive Color Chart.
Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month
December is Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month, a time to recognize one of the most common — yet often overlooked — side effects of cancer and its treatments.
Cancer-related fatigue is not like everyday tiredness. It can feel overwhelming, persistent, and unrelieved by rest. It affects both patients and caregivers, each facing physical, emotional, and mental demands that accumulate over time.
Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver
Caregivers experience fatigue, too. Balancing appointments, household tasks, work, and emotional support can be heavy.
Helpful strategies include:
Asking friends or family for help
Joining caregiver support groups
Making time for small joys like reading, gardening, crafting, or meditation
It’s important to remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Caring for yourself allows you to better care for your loved one.
Caring for Yourself as a Patient
For patients, managing fatigue often begins with gentle, foundational habits:
- Eating nourishing meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Staying hydrated
- Prioritizing rest and quality sleep
- Adding light movement such as walking, stretching, or yoga, to improve mood and energy
Pacing is key. Listen to your body, allow time for breaks, and try not to feel guilty about slowing down. Healing requires both patience and self-compassion.
How Friends and Family Can Offer Support
Supporting someone living with cancer-related fatigue — or their caregiver — doesn't require grand gestures.
Often, simple, steady acts of kindness make the biggest difference.
Meaningful support includes listening without trying to fix things, offering specific help like dropping off dinner or running errands, and being patient with gentle check-ins. Clear, time-bound offers are easier to accept than general “Let me know” statements.
Providing respite—such as sitting with a loved one during treatment or giving caregivers a short break—can ease burnout. Above all, remind them they’re not alone; small acts of care and connection bring comfort during this tough time.
Sew for Awareness, Sew with Heart
We hope you enjoyed this month’s project and feel inspired to create something of your own to help raise awareness of cancer-related fatigue. Even small handmade items can carry a big message of support, care, and visibility.
Disclaimer
Any and all content produced and displayed by ByAnnie.com is for educational and informative purposes only; it should not and does not replace a diagnosis by a medical professional. Statements made by ByAnnie.com are not medical advice. If any questions arise, contact your doctor or other qualified professional. Unless stated otherwise, the opinions and statements made are not by medical professionals. Reliance on and usage of ANY information from ByAnnie.com is done solely at your own risk. None of the staff members of ByAnnie are, or claim to be, medical professionals. We urge you to consult with a medical professional to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Stay healthy, stay safe, and happy stitching!
#SewPINK: Cancer-Related Fatigue