submitted by Michael McCagg
Teens fighting cancer or who have been affected by the dreaded illness in some way now have an online place to blog and share their experiences. The American Cancer Society HopeClub blog was launched this week by the local chapter of the HopeClub and Tech Valley High School senior Ashley Moon, who created the blog as part of her senior project. The blog is available by going to http://teenstouchedbycancer.tumblr.com/.
[private]”The HopeClub has been wanting to set up a blog for teens to write their stories for a while now but never got around to it, so when I interned they had told me that could be something that could end up as my product so I took that and ran with it,” said Moon.
“The idea is for teens who have been touched by cancer to share their story. The blog can serve as a copy method for the teens or a way to express themselves,” said the Tech Valley High School senior from Berlin.
The blog serves teens who have been diagnosed with cancer and those who have a family member or friends fighting the illness, as well as those have lost someone to cancer.
“One thing I have learned during my research is that people are sensitive in a way that they are not sensitive at all. They are aware that people around them have cancer, so they blatantly ask questions about it. For some, the blatant questions relieve pressure but not for everyone,” said Moon.
Moon said she and the HopeClub are seeking attention for the blog so that people will know it exists and start using it as a resource.
“The hardest part with the blog is getting it out there and getting people to feel comfortable with writing a story that will be open for anyone to read,” she said.
To that end, Moon and the club are sending letters to area school districts and YMCAs asking for their assistance in driving teen involvement.
“This is a great opportunity for teens who have been touched by cancer to share their story of how cancer has touched their lives and an opportunity for them not to feel alone in times of stress,” said Moon.
Moon is working with the HopeClub for her senior research project, during which TVHS seniors must complete 15 to 20 days of work-based learning in an area of interest to them.
Moon, who said she has “luckily never been touched by cancer” is interested in a career as an oncologist and said the lessons she is learning now will have a long-lasting impact on her.
“Even if I end up as a specialized nurse, what I am learning now will help me in the future,” she said.[/private]