[header] How to help a dying friend [title] Learn about your friend's illness. [step] Cope with the shock of finding out about your friend's illness by educating yourself about what they're going through. Seek out resources, like books and internet articles, to find out how the illness usually progresses. 
[substeps] Turn to creditable resources for terminal illnesses like the american cancer society or other national organizations relating to their specific condition. You'll be better able to help your friend when you know what their remaining time may be like.