Promise of a Greater Hope

This week, each blogger in my class created a proposal for an online cancer forum for Cure and Heal magazines. Here are some of my thoughts…although I encourage you to skim all of our suggestions and give any input that might help us better meet our goals for the forum!

Promise
“Promise of a better day. Promise of a greater hope. Promise of a new tomorrow...”
-Beautiful Girls

Mission: To provide a forum for cancer patients and survivors, their families, friends and doctors to unite and provide insight, encouragement and hope for one another.

This moment is our only guarantee, and we hope that the promise of a beautiful tomorrow will keep members returning to spend time with others who value the life they’ve been given and who strive to live it fully each and every day!

Cancer Blogs to Visit:

http://2hands.blogspot.com (This is visually my favorite!)
http://500miles2nowhere.blogspot.com
http://cancerbaby.typepad.com/cancerbaby
http://cancertalk.blogspot.com
http://toosexyformyhair.com
http://illuminade.blogspot.com
http://www.tigerox.org/blog.html
http://www.limbodacious.typepad.com
http://www.caringforconnor.com

Blogs will play an integral role in the site, as shared experience is critical to establishing a strong culture visitors will want to return to and invest time and energy in.

I would have blogs grouped by category: those written by patients, survivors, family and friends about a loved one or on behalf of one, diagnosed teens, young widows, Komen walkers, volunteers, etc. People can choose groups that they identify with, and by separating myriad sites and blogs on cancer into more niche-oriented groupings, visitors can tap into the information, stories or social networks they are looking for.

We also had to propose some sidebar themes…I had two different suggestions:

#1
Live (for survivors)
Love (families and other support networks)
Hope (cancer patients)

#2
Spirit/Strength: "Start choosing to live out your strength and you'll discover that it grows each time." –Anon.

This section would deal with religious/spiritual posts or blogs, relaxing activities and the deep, personal aspects of cancer that impact so many lives.

Mind: “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” –Marie Curie

This is the doctors’ portion on cancer breakthroughs, advice, etc. It would provide medical knowledge and facts to keep cancer in perspective.

Heart: “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” –Willa Cather

This would include personal blogs and other stories of hardship, healing and hope. Hopefully this section would lay the foundation for a strong community where members could feel comfortable sharing their own stories as well as reading, commenting or joining in the journeys of others.

Important links:

- Livestrong
http://www.livestrong.org/

On this site, I liked the idea of registering members to receive newsletters (perhaps about inspiring stories, events near you, etc.). They have a terrific introduction. For the site we're creating, I believe we need a similar compelling statement or quote...and it should be larger (more prominent on the page) so first-time readers have no question about what the site delivers.

- Breast Cancer 3-Day

http://www.the3day.org/

This site provides information regarding the 60-mile, 3-day Komen walk. This and other events pertaining to cancer research (ex: Race for the Cure), publicity and fundraising should be linked on the site as well.

Additional Features:

-A merchandise section where proceeds go to cancer research. Perhaps design contests among subscribed members to create new logos, t-shirt graphics, etc. that others in the community would feel pride in wearing.

-Survivor of the day: A picture and inspirational blurb on the front screen…people might identify with this and check in each day to read a success story.

-In Memory Of…a section of the site where stories, poems and photos can be added to honor loved ones who lost their lives to cancer.

-A prayer corner might appeal to some (perhaps listed under a spiritual/faith link or on the front screen) where members can submit the names of loved ones they want others to pray for. The list of names could scroll continuously.

Your comments are welcome...I'm looking forward to your input!