In 1997, Sona's dear friends had an extremely premature baby. Sona asked how she could help, and they asked her to help keep friends and family informed. Sona turned to her background in IT and web design and created a private, personal website for the family. The website kept everyone up-to-date, and allowed people to share their love, encouragement and support to the family facing this serious medical situation. Sadly, their baby lived just nine days. The parents, family and friends were so moved by their experience with this single website, however, that they supported and encouraged Sona to provide that same service to other families in need.
The powerful connections from that first experience led Sona to found CaringBridge, a non-profit organization that provides private, personalized websites to families facing serious medical conditions. For the first three years, Sona ran the organization out of her house. Now, over ten years later, CaringBridge is the first and largest service of its kind 'dedicated to connecting families and friends to share information, love and support when facing a serious medical condition.'
Sona was and is adamant that the service remains free to families, so that the focus remains on simplifying communication and connecting families struggling with a serious health condition.
Sona has grown this business to serve millions of families each year. On top of her growing efforts in the non-profit world, Sona and her husband have raised three sons. Still, her passion for helping families in need stay connected and feel cared for and loved, is one that continues to grow.
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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