Learning to Heal

As I researched Heal magazine, a publication devoted to life after cancer, my mind flooded with past memories of my grandmother and her arduous battle with breast and liver cancer. She became diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2001, and then it metastasized into liver cancer, taking her life in June 2002. I thought to myself, what would she have wanted to see in a magazine like Heal?

Mission of Heal's Blog: To present cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their friends and family with a space to receive inspiration, hope, guidance, and new information and insight.

Cancer Blogs:
My Breast Cancer Blog
http://grove.ufl.edu/~johndon/blog/
The Cancer Blog
http://www.thecancerblog.com/
Erin Zammett Ruddy Blog (editor at glamour with leukemia)
http://www.glamour.com/lifestyle/blogs/editor
Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor
http://www.preservationrecords.com/blog/
Too Sexy for My Hair
http://toosexyformyhair.com/
A Woman of Many Parts
http://womanlyparts.blogspot.com/
Cancergiggles
http://www.cancergiggles.blog-city.com/

Heal’s blog should be designed with optimism, support, and brightness. Those who have survived and those who are in treatment for Cancer, need to see that there can be quality of life after cancer. I found a great blog called “Cancergiggles,” which provides guidance to the diagnosis and acceptance of cancer and the road ahead. It views cancer with a less serious approach and contains multiple anecdotes, links to health related and life questions. The candid voice of the writer makes it feel as though you are having a conversation with them and that in itself creates a comforting feeling. I

Also, the blog titled, “Too sexy for my hair: a young woman’s cancer blog” would be a nice addition. The author, 29-year old Lori Miller, states the mission of her blog as “Too Sexy For My Hair is a place for anyone that has been touched by cancer to come celebrate, honor, or remember life.” This blog would be an excellent addition because of Lori’s young age, fresh and optimistic outlook, and honest postings about her battle cancer. Heal needs to be geared towards cancer patients and survivors of all ages and I think this website would serve as an excellent forum for honesty and inspiration.

“The Cancer Blog” blog should be incorporated to Heal’s sidebar. This informative blog sheds light on treatments, an alphabetic list of various cancers, current news, what to expect, prevention, celebrity diagnosis, and links. With such an ample variety of options, this blog provides thoughtful knowledge and resources that would enlighten and encourage those affected by cancer.

Design:
1. a relaxing and calm color palate for the template (Soft greens, blues, and yellows)
2. There should be categories of testimonials, different types of cancer, advice on coping, new technological and medical advancements, and platforms that will welcome discussions.
3. Sections focusing on mind, body and spirit
4. Links to other blogs and useful websites

5. Serene and peacedul images should adorn the website

The blog will be beneficial because I envision it as a forum where people can read testimonials, have discussions, seek advice, and gain hope.