[header] How to support someone who is chronically ill [title] Maintain a presence in your friend's life. [step] Your friend is facing a very different life than they had imagined for themselves, and will need to grieve their loss. They are likely dealing with an overload of painful symptoms, and coming to terms with their new limitations. 
The first step is to let them know that you intend to be there for them as a friend. This alone will be a gift to them; many chronically ill are dropped by their friends, who find the problems associated with the illness to be too difficult or uncomfortable.