As we all gear up for the holidays, some of us may be faced with learning of medical conditions that are loved ones have tried to keep from us, or may have just found out about. While Christmas is my favorite holiday, it is also bittersweet as I was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer a few days before Christmas back in 2008 -- not a way you want to celebrate the holidays. But, now 6 years later, I am in remission and celebrating the holidays with loved ones close, which include my two miracle babies, which doctors said I would never have.
If you find yourself having to deal with a medical condition or are currently battling cancer or another health issue, you may want to consider setting up a personal website over at CaringBridge.com so that your family and friends can follow along on your health journey. After having so many friends and family ask me and my parents about how my treatments were going and how I was feeling, I turned to CaringBridge.com to set up a central point where everyone could go and read about my cancer journey, the personal struggles I was facing near the end of my grueling 3 months of chemo and 40 rounds of radiation. Not only was I able to leave updates for all, but those following along could also share words of encouragement, which really helped me get through the toughest of days. Words truly do help one heal, and with a site like CaringBridge.com it helps bring family and friends together to offer up their support and be there when you need them most, even if they are scattered all over the globe.
"CaringBridge was launched in 1997 so people--for any reason or length of time--could start a free website, remain connected to their family and friends and receive support when they need it most. As a nonprofit and early form of social media, CaringBridge has been instrumental for millions in navigating an emotional journey."
Creating a personal website through CaringBridge is quick and easy -- you don't have to be computer savvy to create your personal page, which will ultimately become your lifeline during an upcoming hospital stay, while on a personal health journey like a cancer diagnosis, or even recovering at home.
"A CaringBridge website simplifies communicating with loved ones; messages of love, support and encouragement come flooding in, allowing the focus to be on healing."
So, as you gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, don't forget those who may be struggling with a medical condition or need a way to connect and have a lifeline going with those near and dear to them. I am so grateful to have had a personal page on CaringBridge to share my cancer journey and keep in touch with family and friends. The best day, however, was when I was able to write my last entry and let everyone know I was in remission and no more chemo or radiation was needed. I am so blessed for the doctors that helped save my life, as well as for everyone who shared their words of hope and love while I fought and kicked cancer's butt! :-)
CaringBridge serves as a rallying point when people need one most. Could someone in your life (family member, friend or neighbor) benefit from starting a CaringBridge website? Share this post with them and include a note of love, hope and compassion. To learn more about CaringBridge, visit CaringBridge.org today.
Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for CaringBridge. I received product a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
I have not heard of this before I read it on your blog this is a wonderful idea and one I will have to tell family and friends about.
ReplyDeleteheather [email protected]