Not knowing exactly the right words to say to a friend who is facing a serious illness is difficult. But not saying anything at all is worse. And for the friend who is suffering, the gaps and gaffes in communication are just as awkward.

Let’s be clear: there is discomfort all around.

Some advice: the words “I’m sorry for what you are going through” almost always deliver. But for a little humor to go with your love and care, you can now turn to the beautiful, clever, and honestly insightful greeting cards created by illustrator Emily McDowell.

McDowell was motivated by having suffered through many of those wincing moments when she was being treated for cancer. The cancer was rough, of course, but, as she said on the site BoredPanda—which had featured her work before she started this line of cards—what was worse was “the loneliness and isolation I felt when many of my close friends and family members disappeared because they didn’t know what to say, or said the absolute wrong thing without realizing it.”

Emily to the rescue! For the rest of us, at least. She went on to create a line of cards that speak frankly and directly about illness and all the uncertainties that surround it—while still maintaining a sharp sense of humor—helping us stay connected to each other through hard times.

One of her cards says, “There is no good card for this.”

Well, Emily, there is now. Thank you.

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