Fighting cancer in an online community
Kerry LaRosa, a cancer survivor, wife, and mother, juggles caring for her family and her passion for the Internet. Credit: Newsday / John Paraskevas
Blogs, micro-blogging sites and social media networks have become outlets for groups to look for support for a cause. Across Long Island, those both fighting and looking to help others with the fight against cancer have come together on Facebook, Twitter, and other community websites. Here are six Long Islanders that have embraces these media:
Amanda Marsh
Marsh's personal blog, Marsh's Twitter account
Marsh describes herself on her Twitter account as a "real estate journalist by day, insomniac by night, and cancer butt-kicker for life."
Marsh writes on her website about an exchange she had at an oncologist's office:
"The RN looked at me incredulously, and said, "Don’t you know that you are sick?'"
I replied, "I’m not sick, I just have cancer.”"
Cyndy Sotomayor
Sotomayor's Facebook page
Founded the Long Island chapter of “I’m Too Young For This.”
From the "I'm Too Young For This" website, i2y.com:
"Never feel alone. We wish it to be that simple. Clichè but simple."
Kevin Christman
"Protest MTA Able-Ride's DISCRIMINATION against people with disabilities!!!" Facebook group
Christman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is a teacher's assistant at United Cererbal Palsy Association of Nassau County
"Online is where I’m most independent. I feel like I’m living the life I want to live instead of the one I have to work around."
Jacqueline Lederman
"OMG! Cancer Summit" Facebook page
On Facebook, a fan of the "OMG! Cancer Summit," which "is a major international oncology conference and social networking event for young adults affected by all cancers, as well as for their caregivers and providers."
Recently posted by Lederman to Facebook:
"In the past two days I've found out I have stayed in remission and that I have gotten into Graduate School for the fall....score and score"
Kerry LaRosa
Larosa's Facebook page
LaRosa was diagnosed with leukemia when her son was 17 months old.
“It’s amazing to talk to people who are in similar situations as you. It’s great to share good news and cry together."
Bonnie Mulieri
Mulieri's blog on caringbridge.org
Mulieri maintains the "NoEvidenceOfStinkinTumors" blog. It follows her daughter's batle with medulloblastoma.
Mulieri finishes many of her posts with:
"Like Gina [her daughter] says: You gotta beLIeVE!"
Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
