What are some ways to cope with being scared of something you cannot control?

Prayer: Some find that prayer, in whatever tradition they hold, is helpful. There are even studies of groups doing intercessory prayer on behalf of patients in icu's, and finding that such people seemed to recover more quickly than those not prayed for. You can also ask for more worldly help from friends and family, in the form of emotional support -- they can be with you when facing the scary thing.