Home » Nonprofits » Charities » Community Charities

CarePages

Ranked #424 in Nonprofits, #123,809 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund

Care Pages - Connect, Share, Care

CarePages unique service allows you to create a personal, private web page to help family and friends communicate when a loved one is facing illness whether at the beginning of life as a newborn, at the end of life, or somewhere in between.

Creating a CarePage can be a way of generating support, providing information and updates easily. I think the greatest benefit may be that of holding the loved one in everyone's thoughts so they can do better and get healthy, or feel the love and support of family at the end of life.

CarePages continues to make the news as more people find their resource and make it public that they are using the resource.

Hold a Person in the Heart, Mind and Soul

Several years ago, I read an inspiring article on Lance Armstrong's fight with cancer and the quote stuck with me as an excellent way of describing the power of connection during times of illness.
    There is an ancient Chinese belief
    that when a person is held
    in the hearts and minds and souls
    of so many other people,
    they can do better.

    - Jim Reeves, MD
    Urologist for Lance Armstrong


Photo Credit: Helmut Gevert. Heart 1. Royalty Free Use.
Fighting cancer is new mission for Armstrong
The source of this inspiring quote, in a USA Today article written several years ago about Lance Armstrong's fight with cancer.

Connect Friends and Family During Times of Challenge

Build a Community During Challenging Times

Together We are Stronger

Simply by creating a webpage, CarePages provides a way for family and friends to stay connected and give needed emotional support when a loved one is hospitalized, facing a life-threatening illness or receiving specialized care, such as hospice or palliative treatments.

I discovered CarePages last fall and have become an advocate for getting the word out about this beneficial resource once I realized what a great resource it would have been for my family to know about and help stay connected at several times in our life.

Most recently it would have been helpful when my father-in-law was going through the final stages of his life as a way for the family to be updated, stay in touch or send email notes of encouragement that could have been read to him at home.

CarePages also would have been a useful resource nearly five years ago when my youngest daughter was going through her NICU challenges at the beginning of her life. (See her story below)

In both of these situations CarePages would have been a very helpful way of keeping an international family and friends informed about the progress.

A special Webpage also would have been a place for people to post their messages of love, encouragement and support.

Photo source: Sanja Gjenero. Together Stronger. Royalty Free Use.

Create a Circle of Healing and Support

Our Circle of Healing for My Youngest Daughter

Personally and professionally, I have long had the belief that there is a healing power in holding a person in one's thoughts-whether through saying prayers or blessings or lighting candles. These are the same beliefs echoed by Jim Reeves, the urologist who treated Lance Armstrong.

Within days after the birth of my youngest daughter and her unexpected NICU admission, thanks to the connection power of the Internet, we were able to quickly contact friends and family to notify them of what had happened. (We didn't know about CarePages at the time, but having their service would have made the process so much easier.)

On Easter morning, our daughter was included on several prayer lists and prayer circles, only two days after her birth. Via phone calls and e-mail messages we tapped into the healing powers to create a circle of positive thoughts and energies from people around the world. We asked everyone to hold our daughter in their thoughts and prayers to mentally aid in her healing process.

I truly believe that having so many people hold our daughter in their hearts, minds and souls, mentally aided in her healing process.

We were blessed with the outcome. The Circle of Healing we created for her helped keep her safe and protected until she was strong enough to be discharged from the hospital.

More on a Circle of Healing

Loading

Take the Poll on Using CarePages

Using CarePages to Create a Virtual Support Community

I know if several occasions when I would have used CarePages resource.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Making sure no one faces a health challenge alone!

CarePages - Support and Community for Anyone Facing a Life-Challenging Illness

Keeping Family and Friends Connected

CarePages are a way to help families stay connected, informed, and supported, from anywhere at any time. It takes only a few minutes to create a page using the freely available resource.

Your CarePage can be used to help family and friends communicate and receive email updates when a loved one is hospitalized, facing a life-threatening illness or receiving specialized care.
CarePages.com
The main page for CarePages, the freely available resource allowing family and friends to stay connected and build a community of online support.
Breast Cancer Support and Emotional Resource Center from CarePages
The main page of the special section created by CarePages to support women and their families coping with Breast Cancer.
Congenital Heart Defects Emotional Resource Center from CarePages
The main page of the special section created by CarePages to raise awareness about and support children and their families coping with Congenital Heart Defects.
Lung Cancer Support and Emotional Resource Center from CarePages
The main page of the special section created by CarePages to support men, women and their families coping with Lung Cancer.
Premature Birth Support and Emotional Resource Center from CarePages
The main page of the special section created by CarePages to support families coping with the birth of a premature baby by allowing them to create a community.
Traumatic Brain Injury Support and Emotional Resource Center at CarePages
The main page of the special section created by CarePages to support families coping with Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Books from those Using CarePages

Loading

Top 10 Tips from CarePages to Restore Balance

From the Series - We Carry Each Other

These 10 tips from CarePages are a collection of helpful suggestions to use to help restore balance, even in the midst of illness and chaos.

These 10 tips come from their Featured Writer,
Run Away To Refuel, Recharge, Nourish
Having a physical outlet like running or training is a great release and source of personal refreshment. It can help to refuel, recharge and nourish the body.
InSPAration - Hop in the Tub
A great bath can be the ultimate in relaxation. A warm bath has been shown to relax and un-tighten the muscles and stimulate calming chemicals in your brain.
Say OM - Practice Yoga
An hour of yoga, backbends, standing on my head and bowing to my inner self, is one of the most soothing, restorative ancient practices.
Just Pray: Begin each day with intention
Prayers, inspirational messages and quotes can give you the boost, and the inspiration and intention to make it through the day.
Foodstuffs
Try not to skip meals or settle for unhealthy fast-foods. Try to grab some water and get healthy foods to go - meats, fruits, vegetables.
Turn off the Phone
Get a good night sleep and shut your phone off, or designate someone else to make calls or send out e-mails (or create a CarePages).
Let it Out
You deserve it, just don't invite any guests. Shut the doors, or go out on a walk in the woods, and have a good cry.
You've Got to Have Friends
It is important for to accept help from friends, and to squeeze in the half hour to meet one for coffee and have a shoulder to lean on...because "That's what friends are for."
Ask for Help
For the most part, the people around want to help. You need their help. So ask them and they'll help.
Be Compassionate with Yourself
Now is not the time to beat up on yourself. Taking care of a loved one who is ill, or supporting a friend who has lost a significant person in his or her life, is heart-wrenching. Go easy on yourself.

When would use use CarePages?

Pick your favorite use for CarePages, or add your own. I would use CarePages to keep my family and friends:

1

Vote Up

Updated about a NICU Baby in the hospital.

1 point

2

Vote Up

Updated about a loved one at the end of life.

1 point

3

Vote Up

Updated about a loved one facing cancer.

1 point

4

Vote Up

Updated about a loved one in the hospital.

0 points

5

Vote Up

Updated about a loved one with a traumatic brain injury

0 points

6

Vote Up

Updated about a child with congenital heart defects

0 points

Additional Resources from CarePages

More Tips, Articles and Recipes from CarePages

The CarePages company has developed sections with helpful tips for different conditions, features and articles as well as healing recipies.
Helpful Tips from CarePages
This page provides links for tips from the various different areas featured on CarePages including Brain Injury, Premature Baby, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer and Coronary Heart Disease

Example of Using CarePages

AMA President Dr. Ron Davis Using Care Pages

Two months ago, American Medical Association President Ron Davis MD, told the AMA Board of Trustees that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Davis is continuing to serve as president, but he has reduced his duties to focus on treatment and spend time with his family. He said he realizes that pancreatic cancer has a high death rate, but he is focusing on being one of the survivors.

He is is making his battle public through a personal Web page at CarePages.com listed under rondavis.

When I visited Dr. Davis' CarePage on the site had already been 1732 Visitors to his CarePage with 841 Messages of support.

Posting Message of Support

I remember Dr. Davis from my days as a medical student and a resident in the AMA, so I was saddened to hear the news of his diagnosis.

I was able to sign into his CarePage page and leave a message of support sending healing thoughts and a virtual flower gift.

CarePages is demonstrating in a public setting now how it is a great way to keep people informed about a person's progress and to let those who care leave their messages of support, that they are part of the caring circle.

Articles about AMA President Using CarePages

AMNews: April 14, 2008. Fighting spirit: AMNews interviews Ron Davis, MD
The AMA president is making his battle against pancreatic cancer public and hopes to raise awareness about the need for more funding to research the illness. From the AMA News.
AMA President Davis diagnosed with cancer | Medical Practice Business Blog
The AMA has announced the President Ron Davis has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Here's the release and my note about Care Pages.
AMA President Has Cancer
A story about Ron Davis, MD and his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer from DotMed.com.
The Team Ron Page
Ron Davis, Director, center for Health Promotion and Disease. President, American Medical Association (June 2007-June 2008). Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in February 2008.
Fighting spirit: AMNews interviews Ron Davis, MD :: Medblogs Articles
The AMA president is making his battle against pancreatic cancer public and hopes to raise awareness about the need for more funding to research the illness. A Medblogs Articles.

Squidoo Lenses on Dr. Randy Pausch

Dr. Randy Pausch was another high profile person in the news who was determined to survive his own Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis.

Unfortunately Dr. Pausch lost the battle with Pancreatic Cancer on July 25th, 2008.
Loading

Hold Your Baby in Your Heart, Mind & Soul

Charms, Tags and Jewelry for NICU Parents and Babies

One of the ways that I keep someone in mind is to wear a necklace or bracelet that reminds me of that person. I would have loved to be able to wear some of the Jewelry options now available to support NICU parents created by parents whose baby was in Neonatal Intensive Care.

If you know of others or we have missed your favorite, be sure to add it to the list.

1

Vote Up

Baby Charmed - Personalized Charms

Hand-crafted personalized Baby Charms from fine si more...1 point

2

Vote Up

The Violet Heart Collection

The Violet Heart Collection features pins, items a more...1 point

3

Vote Up

The Violet Heart on CafePress

The Violet Heart Collection on CafePress features more...1 point

4

Vote Up

Preemie Tags - Personalized Premature Baby Jewelry

Preemie Tags were designed by the mother of a pree more...0 points

5

Vote Up

Little Jules - Jewelry for Preemies & NICU Moms

Personalized handcrafted jewelry for moms and also more...0 points

6

Vote Up

Preemie Purple Hearts - Providing Solace & Community for Families of Premature Babies

Preemie Purple Hearts was designed by a preemie mo more...0 points

A Related Lens on Lotsa Helping Hands

Lotsa Helping Hands is a way to help organize care.
Loading

CarePages in the News

Links to the latest news on how CarePages is being used.
Loading

CarePages Resources for Premature Births

Premature Birth A Community of Support from CarePages

CarePages has developed a special section just for Premature Babies and their parents. The section includes information and tips as well as links to stories of inspiration to support NICU parents.
Premature Birth and Emotional Resource Center from CarePages
The main page of the special section created by CarePages to support families coping with the birth of a premature baby by allowing them to create a community.
Stories of Inspiration - Carson
One of the Inspirational stories about how one family used CarePages when their son Carson was hospitalized in the NICU to keep friends and family posted about his progress.
Stories of Inspiration - Kayden (and Riley)
One of the Inspirational stories about how one family used CarePages for support from friends and family to make it through the difficult time when their sons Kayden and Riley were hospitalized in the NICU.
Stories of Inspiration - Sydney
One of the Inspirational stories from the Premature Baby Pages about little Sydney as told by her mother Sheri. Sheri used CarePages to keep family and friends updated and then were able to spend more time with Sydney in the NICU because they were not spending a lot of time on the telephone.
Stories of Inspiration - Anna and Lily
A family of twin girls, who ultimately ended up being admitted to two different NICU's shares the benefits for them of using CarePages to keep friends and family updated, stay connected and gain support.

A Featured Lens at the Caregivers and Caregiving Group

Loading

Reader Feedback on the CarePages Lens

Your place for comments, messages, blessings and suggestions

If you find the information on the about CarePages to be helpful or useful to you or your family, please be sure to pass on the word about the site by emailing a message, rate this site and leave a message (Reader Feedback).

Do make sure to add your feedback, comments, blessings and suggestions for topics or improving this lens. Let us know about other examples of CarePages being used to connect families.

  • howtocurecancer Mar 15, 2011 @ 6:48 am | delete
    Lensrolled to my lens. Thank you, I need CarePages for my mom, my mom is fighting again cancer.
  • Daryl Jun 25, 2010 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    That is a very creative and inspirational method of saving precious memories. I work as a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer so this a topic especially close to my heart. I will use your suggestions for 'preemie necklaces' and thank you for the inspiration. Godspeed.
  • Wysiwigs Apr 28, 2008 @ 1:26 pm | delete
    What a wonderful concept! I am an invasive breast cancer survivor and have just this month started blogging my journey (www.apinkribbontale.com :o) I think this is a wonderful thing to offer people during a difficult time!
  • Papier Apr 22, 2008 @ 10:51 am | delete
    Excellent. The notion is unexpected and sounds workable. Thanks for providing such a wealth of information.
  • Papier Apr 22, 2008 @ 10:51 am | delete
    Excellent. The notion is unexpected and sounds workable. Thanks for providing such a wealth of information.
  • Load More
Show All

About the Author

Loading

Recipient of the All4Care Award - Lens & Lensmaster Award 2007 for Charity Work

CarePages on Squidoo - An Award Winning Site

I am honored to be among the first to receive the All4Care award, a new award for a Lens or Lensmaster who is doing outstanding work for Charity sponsored by Janusz Biela.

Not only was this lens nominate, but the entire NICU Support Site Lens Series of 5 lenses were all recognized.

These lenses have been developed to provide information, resources and support for NICU Parents while generating royalties to benefit the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program.

by

Comfortdoc

I am a respected physician, health educator, recognized expert on grief, loss and bereavement, professor, author and the parent of a former NICU baby an... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

We Carry Each Other 

We Carry Each Other: Getting Through Life's Toughest Times

We Carry Each Other: Getting Through Life's Toughest Times

by: Eric Langshur, Sharon Langshur, Mary Beth Sammons

Amazon Price: $1.83 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

A reminder how we get through difficult times.

More on Coping with Change 

Loading

This is Not the Life I Ordered 

This Is Not the Life I Ordered: 50 Ways to Keep Your Head Above Water When Life Keeps Dragging You Down

This Is Not the Life I Ordered: 50 Ways to Keep Your Head Above Water When Life Keeps Dragging You Down

by: Deborah Collins Stephens, Michealene Cristini Risley, Jackie Speier, Jan Yanehiro

Amazon Price: $4.88 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

An inspiring book that shows how others coped during times of change and challenge.

Related Tags