You are so right in avoiding casseroles.....even if theya re wonderful, they will get old very fast.
I would think in terms of things like prepped fruit...raw veggies and a bottle of ranch for the kids...hot dogs and buns and directions on how to heat in a pan...twice baked potatoes and directions on how to heat in the microwave.
The kids would enjoy the makings for tacos....browned and seasoned meat to be reheated, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese and a bottle of mild salsa would go over well.
And for the the chemo patient....things like chicken soup, burger and fries....remember she needs to eat but tomatoey things citrus and anything acid will hurt her mouth.
You could do a roast and send over some sliced meat in gravy to be heated up.
And don't forget things like individual packages of apple sauce, puddings, fruit and even jello with canned fruit and a carton of cool whip.....and cookies and brownies.
He will be stressed to the max and may forget to get these things at the store. And icecream bars and popsicles are good for the patient.
Linda C

When my sister was going through her cancer treatments it was very unpredictable what she would eat. She was just so happy to see that her family had a good meal prepared for them. Comfort type food seemed the most appreciated.

Chicken a la King served on biscuits
Chicken Pot pie
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes
Salisbury Steak and mashed potatoes
Meatballs in gravy with noodles
Roast chicken
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Nice pot of a hearty soup like Woodie's Tortellini soup and some rolls.

Just make sure the food donations are well managed. I can't tell you how much food my brother in law pitched either because he had way too much and it wasn't something that he could easily freeze. It was a real shame.

We are currently using google calendar as a way of managing food donations to a friend. Everyone (once they have a google account) can look at the calendar online and pick days that work. We also adopted an every other day policy so leftovers didn't build up.

When it's chilly, potato soup will hit the spot for the family and the patient. Ditto congealed fruit salads and freshly made chunky applesauce slightly sweetened with some cinnamon added.
This recipe for Lasagna in a Hard Roll over in the Recipe Exchange is from Lizzynola:

The kids love this quick & easy recipe:

3/4 pound of ground beef and or ground sausage or a combination of both
1 8oz. can of tomato sauce (I use the garlic/seasoned)
1/2 of an envelope of dry onion soup mix
About 1/4 t. dry oregano
About 1/8 t. dry basil
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cp cream style cottage cheese, drained
3/4 cup mozzarella or other cheese
8 hard rolls

Cook the beef/sausage in a skillet and drain off the fat.
Add the tomato sauce, sout mix, and seasonings, Simmer covered for about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook for another 10-15 minute longer, stirring frequently.
Mix the egg with the cottage cheese and 1/2 cup of the cheese.
Cut a thin slice off the top of each roll.
Hollow out the center leaving about 1/2 inch thick shells
(save and freeze the bread chunks for a dressing, bread pudding, etc.)
Spoon half of the meat mixture into the bottoms of each roll.
Spoon cheese mixture over meat, then spoon remaining meat mixture over cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the 1/2 cup remaining cheese over the meat mixture and replace the tops of the rolls.
Wrap each roll in heavy foil.Place foil packets on a baking sheet.
BAKE at 400 (preheated) oven for about 25-30 minutes.

You can add your own seasoning to your liking if you wish.

A nice salad is all you need with this one!

Thanks for all of those wonderful ideas. I decided to do the taco night idea. I think the kids will like it & I am going to use shredded chicken instead of ground beef. I have a crockpot recipe I want to use for that. I also plan on bringing mini fruit & cheese kabobs and a few homemade choc. chip cookies. Most other people have signed up to bring salad, bread & a pasta so I think they will like the change of pace.