While this may at first seem to be a bit off-topic for a technology blog, it really isn't. Being of a certain age, I am finding that more and more people around me are developing serious medical conditions. And there is usually very little that I can do to provide any real comfort or support. But I was recently introduced to a wonderful free service called Caringbridge that I think more people should be aware of. Here, in a nutshell, taken from their website, is what they're about:
"CaringBridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free websites that connect family and friends during a serious health event, care and recovery.
A CaringBridge website is personal, private and available 24/7. It helps ease the burden of keeping family and friends informed. The websites are easy to create and use. Authors add health updates and photos to share their story while visitors leave messages of love and support in the guestbook."
When someone is seriously ill, they and their caregivers can be exhausted and overwhelmed by the day to day turmoil of treatment. They may want, and need, to keep in touch with those family and friends they rely on for support, but have trouble doing so because they are just so exhausted.
Imagine a day of medical tests, filled with delay after delay, and indignity upon indignity, and then receiving discouraging news about your condition. Then imagine coming home having to make a dozen phone calls, or to send out emails to update all the people who are waiting to hear some good news. Then, imagine instead, writing a single short note and sending it to your Caringbridge site to share with everyone at once.
Best of all, the visitors can just check a box if they want to be notified of any new posts. So you don't have to send out a single email, or make a single phone call, and everyone will have the latest news.
There is even a free iPhone app that lets you post updates when you are out of computer range.
Caringbridge.org can be a godsend. Check it out if you know someone who might benefit from it.