For those battling a serious disease, writing in a journal or blog may seem like a big waste of time. However, writing has shown to have a positive impact on people’s well-being, especially for those coping with illness. The Internet and social media sites have given patients the ability to blog and connect with others facing similar difficulties for support, encouragement, and companionship.
This past summer, my uncle’s sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor and began posting in an online journal to keep her family and friends updated on her symptoms and treatments. This was the first time I had encountered a social media site focused on bringing together people with serious illnesses. I was amazed at the outpouring of support she received from friends, family, and even strangers.
I still read her journal as she continues to battle the tumor and have left many supportive messages as well. Even though her posts were sometimes sad to read, I appreciated knowing what her status was from day to day since the tumor came on so suddenly, and it was difficult to keep updated with her in Syracuse and me in Geneseo. Since then, I have become interested in other social media sites devoted specifically to people suffering from a disease.
Share Struggles, Find Friends, & Create Connections
The website Blog For a Cure features an online community of over 2400 members. It allows cancer patients and others dealing with terminal illnesses to share their day-to-day struggles, progress, and effects of their treatment. There is also a Memorial Page for bloggers who pass away due to their diseases. Other bloggers, family members, and friends can leave feedback and supportive messages as well.
CancerMatch is another site that connects patients with different types of cancer and allows them to create profiles and form networks of friends with similar diagnoses. It also allows members to post events in their communities to meet up with their online friends and create support groups. Though it focuses on connecting people for all types of relationships, it is especially focused on helping cancer patients find romantic partners. I can imagine it is extremely difficult for terminally ill people to find potential dates while coping with their illnesses. This seems like a great way to connect people who otherwise may have not found each other.
Even if you’re not battling an illness, you can still leave patients feedback on these sites. Sometimes all it takes to make someone’s day is an encouraging word from a stranger. The blogs on the first site are often sad but truly inspiring. Reading about my uncle’s sister’s struggles really helped put my daily annoyances in perspective. When you read about someone who is really struggling, a bad test grade or a fight with your roommate doesn’t really seem so bad.
Healthy Living Through Social Media 