Have you ever used CaringBridge?

RallyPoint News — Wed, 22 May 2019 12:27:57 -0400

VA announced that it has partnered with CaringBridge, a global nonprofit social network, to aid in Veterans’ connection and communication with their support communities.

CaringBridge provides free, secure, personal websites — as a dedicated platform — to assist family and friends in communicating with loved ones during any type of health journey.

“Partnerships with organizations such as CaringBridge that can offer impactful support and connection form an integral part of our public health approach to ensure we reach all Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Collaborations like these can help particularly in preventing Veteran suicide, which remains VA’s top clinical priorities.”

Through this partnership, CaringBridge highlights a tailored destination page that focuses directly on the needs of service members, Veterans and their families. Each customized website supports healing and connection in various ways, keeping families and friends informed and linked using interactive journals and providing access to resources on the site.

In addition to coordinating supportive tasks, CaringBridge has collaborated with VA medical centers and staff to offer training to help facilitate online outreach and support for Veterans and their families. The organization’s customer care staff also have been trained on VA resources and how to make referrals to the Veterans Crisis Line.

For more information on how veterans and their loved ones can use CaringBridge throughout their health journeys.

Response by CPT David Gowel made May 22 at 2019 12:34 PM

CPT David Gowel — Wed, 22 May 2019 12:34:15 -0400

A good friend sustained a TBI overseas and Caringbridge was the main way his mom / caregiver was able to keep us informed of his progress from injury, during / through the coma, his awakening, treatment, etc. This is a hugely valuable platform for those thrust into such a terrible and unexpected situation.

Response by CPO Kathleen Whiting made May 22 at 2019 10:29 PM

CPO Kathleen Whiting — Wed, 22 May 2019 22:29:48 -0400

My family used CaringBridge when my six year old grandson was diagnosed with a life threatening cancer. He was treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and several surgeries over a two year period at Shands Hospital/University of Florida Health System. CaringBridge kept us in touch with friends and loved ones, and also introduced us to other families enduring the roller coaster ride that is children's cancer. I have told everyone living with a chronic or catastrophic illness or injury about CaringBridge and at my work in the VA I include their flyer in every admission booklet so my fellow Veterans can have the same peace of mind we had so many years ago. CaringBridge takes the pressure off of the close caregivers and allows families to share precisely what they want to share.

Response by SSgt William Hoover made May 23 at 2019 12:41 AM

SSgt William Hoover — Thu, 23 May 2019 00:41:56 -0400

i am looking to communicate with those who have pulmonary hypertension and COPD and any medications or treatment that are being used by the VA or non-VA medical centers to improve their condition.

Response by SSgt Jim Fogle made May 23 at 2019 11:10 AM

SSgt Jim Fogle — Thu, 23 May 2019 11:10:36 -0400

I'm very familiar with Caring Bridge. My 2 1/2 year old grand daughter was diagnosed with a terrible neurological disease called Rhett Syndrome. Family, friends and some medical practitioners used Caring Bridge to share information specifically about my granddaughter as well as Rhett research in general until her death at age seven in 2013.
As the name implies, Caring Bridge is a community filled with big hearts.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2019 1:26 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 13:26:25 -0400

No, I lived south of Woodbridge once though.