CarePages - Connect Friends and Family During Times of Challenge

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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 is making it to the news with the recent publicity about AMA President Dr. Ron Davis creating a CarePage to keep people up to date about his fight against Pancreatic Cancer.

Holding 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.

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 

featured lens Circle of Healing

One of the greatest difficulties for me as a NICU parent, who was also used to being a physician, was the overwhelming feeling that there wasn't anything I could do for my daughter. I had to step back and turn over all of the care to those who unders...

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 is another high profile person in the news who is determined to survive his own Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis.

Unfortunately Dr. Pausch lost the battle with Pancreatic Cancer on July 25th, 2008.
featured lens Dr. Randy Pausch - A Superhero

Dr. Randy Pausch is a living inspiration. Diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in 2006, he has gone on to show people how to continue *living* even after getting the diagnosis of a terminal illness. For his head-on, straight-forward, entertai...

featured lens Randy Pausch

It is highly likely that Dr. Randy Pausch lasting legacy may not come for his work in Computer Science, his field of expertise. His lasting legacy is likely to come from a lecture that has become know as "The Last Lecture" teaching people about "Real...

featured lens The Last Lecture

My background includes caring for those those who are facing the end of life. I have been in awe of the human spirit shown by those facing their final life challenge. I was amazed when I read Randy Pausch's inspirational story. He has shown amazing c...

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.

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Custom CarePages for Journey of Hearts and NICU Parent Support 

Journey of Hearts, the website for Information on Grief and Loss and the NICU Parent Support Site have paired up with CarePages to give our viewers a place to create their own complimentary care pages. You can create your own CarePage now at:
CarePages - Journey of Hearts - Grief, Loss & Transitions Custom CarePage
Friends and Family can create a their own custom CarePage to share information and support when a loved one is facing a challenging illness or at the end of life.
CarePages - NICU Parent Support Site Custom CarePage
NICU parents and NICU families can create a place to share information and support by creating their own CarePages

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.

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:

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Updated about a NICU Baby in the hospital.

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Updated about a loved one at the end of life.

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Updated about a loved one in the hospital.

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Updated about a loved one facing cancer.

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Updated about a loved one with a traumatic brain injury

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Updated about a child with congenital heart defects

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CarePages from the NICU Parent Support Site 

Our Custom CarePages to Support Parents with NICU Babies



The NICU Parent Support Site has paired up with CarePages to give our viewers--NICU parents and NICU families--a own place to create their own CarePages.
NICU Parent Support Special CarePages Section
Use our CarePages to keep your family and friends connected when your NICU baby is in the hospital by sharing information and updates on your baby.

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.

CarePages from Journey of Hearts 

Our Custom CarePages for Anyone Grieving a Loss


Journey of Hearts has paired up with CarePages to give our viewers their own place to create their own CarePages.
Journey of Hearts Special CarePages Section
Use our CarePages to keep family connected when a loved one is facing a challenging illness, or at the end of life

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

A Related Lens on Lotsa Helping Hands 

Lotsa Helping Hands is a way to help organize care.
featured lens Lotsa Helping Hands - A Way to Organize the Offers of Support

Lotsa Helping Hands is a simple, immediate way for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to assist loved ones in need by organizing all of the offers of support during a time of crisis. Lotsa Helping Hands provides family and friends with an ans...

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.

CarePages in the News 

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

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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 

featured lens Caregivers and Caregiving Headquarters

Caregivers and Caregiving A group devoted to caregivers, the person who is responsible for attending to the needs of a child or dependent adult. This group contains carefully selected lenses with information and resources for caregivers, the unsung...

Custom CarePages from Journey of Hearts and the NICU Parent Support Site 

Our Custom CarePages to Support our Visitors

Journey of Hearts, the website for Information on Grief and Loss and the NICU Parent Support Site have paired up with CarePages to give our viewers a place to create their own complimentary care pages.

NICU Parent Support Site Custom Care Page
NICU parents and NICU families can create a place to share information and support by creating their own CarePages.

A CarePage is a great way for NICU parents to keep their loved ones updated on their NICU baby's condition.

Journey of Hearts - Grief, Loss & Transitions
Friends and Family can create a their own custom CarePage to share information and support when a loved one is facing a challenging illness or at the end of life.

A CarePage is a great way to keep family and friends informed and connected during challenging times.

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.

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Benefitting the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation 

If you buy any of the books or products recommended on this page, a donation is automatically made to Prevent Cancer Foundation (formerly Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation), working to prevent cancer through research, education and community outreach to all populations, including children and the underserved.

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...

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