What do you say to someone who has a life-threatening diagnosis? Sometimes people avoid the conversation about someoneÕs diagnosis and the isolation and loneliness causes the patient great sadness. This book was created after asking patients to complete a questionnaire and having many conversations with them to identify comments that feel supportive and comments that cause them to feel sad or angry. Most of us mean well, but do not know what to say when people are chronically ill. This booklet is designed to support both the patient and you. Carry it with you whether you are a patient, friend, family member, or caregiver.