When it comes to bringing food to a family, think comfort food balanced with healthy options. If you visit, bring a nice salad for mom or dad. Maybe send fruit baskets and not just yummy treats. If you’re planning to bring or send meals for the family at home (and by the way this is a huge help), try as best you can to coordinate with others. Maybe even use an online site to organize who is giving what and when, sites like MealTrain.com are really great. And as nice as it is, it’s not as helpful to receive 7 lasagnas in two days as it is to have a variety of meals that come spread over weeks and months (and please remember, meals for the family at home will continue to be helpful long after the child is released from the hospital.) In addition, don't forget about lunch and breakfast food in addition to dinners.