Social Media Helps In Trying Times

On April 9, I got this text from my friend and fellow Spokesman Review correspondent, Jill Barville: “I’m flying to Germany tomorrow so I won’t be answering texts, calls or emails.” Her daughter Emily was a 17 year-old exchange student studying in Germany. Emily suffered a serious medical emergency and had been hospitalized. My heart broke for my friend. Powerless to do anything but pray, I waited for news. When it came it wasn’t good. Emily was too sick to come home.  With Jill’s permission I shared the news on Facebook and within minutes a mutual friend offered to set up a medical fundraising site to help with the expenses the family was incurring. Finally! Something I could do besides pray. We began to promote the site via Facebook and Twitter and as I write generous friends, family and strangers have given $4,100/ Cindy Hval , SR. More here. (Photo: Cindy in the morning)

Question: Have you ever used social media to raise money for a friend or family member in need?