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WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 8, 2008) - In 1997, a Web site kept
one family's far-flung friends and relatives up to date on the
status of a loved one facing a serious medical condition.
Today, that Web site has grown into CaringBridge, and it helps
more than 16 million families a year, including troops injured in
the line of duty, stay connected.
"When someone is injured or wounded, everyone wants to know
what's happening -- family, friends, neighbors, fellow servicemen
and women, the list goes on and on," said Chris Moquist, the
organization's marketing and communications director. "But dealing
with the communication aspect of a serious injury, on top of trying
to help and be there for the injured person, is often just too
overwhelming (for immediate family)."
Through its free Web sites, CaringBridge helps relieve some of
the pressure to constantly update everyone who wants to know. Users
can quickly and easily set up personalized sites where they can
post the latest updates.
Those concerned with prying eyes finding personal information
posted to the Web site need not worry. "CaringBridge Web sites are
private and not searchable by search engines," Moquist said. "There
are additional levels of privacy and security a CaringBridge Web
site author can add as well."
The sites also are convenient for those checking in from across
the country or around the globe, Moquist said. Because everything
is Web-based, times zones are not a factor, as they are with phone
calls, he noted.
In addition, friends and family are notified via e-mail every
time a new update is posted. Upon receiving that notification they
can leave messages of support whenever they want, and the family or
servicemember can read them when it's convenient.
Originally intended to bridge the geographical gap during
medical situations, CaringBridge has expanded its services to
servicemembers facing long absences, including deployments, Moquist
said.
"Rather than have to repeat the same update over and over again,
a family member can simply post the latest news," he said.
CaringBridge is a new supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations
with military personnel and their families.
"The biggest benefit of being (affiliated with) America Supports
You is additional exposure to military audiences," Moquist said.
"Our goal is for CaringBridge to be available to every family or
soldier who needs it."
Partnerships with two other supporters of the America Supports
You program, The Wounded Warrior Project and Fisher House, are
helping CaringBridge achieve that goal. Each assists wounded
servicemembers and their families.
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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