Social media platforms allow us to share stories and offer support to people all over the world. Cancer survivor, Caris Hedd-Bowen, discovered the power of social media after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The now 22-year-old mother of two, aspiring model, and cancer survivor from Pembrey, Wales, credits the support she received on Facebook as the secret to her swift recovery.
Hedd-Bowen was only 21 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. As she began intense chemotherapy treatment, she turned to her 2,127 Facebook friends as a way of dealing with the stress. The reaction and support through social media she received was more than she could have expected.
After announcing her diagnosis, supportive messages and kind words came pouring in, and not just from her friends. Total strangers began to offer their support, telling her she looked beautiful and inspiring her to continue to fight.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Hedd-Bowen continually had her Facebook supporters by her side. She kept them updated every step of the way, posting glam photos in various wigs, bald photos to reveal her hair loss, and even hospital photos to share a glimpse of the treatment process with her adoring fans.
The overwhelming support never dwindled. With each new update or photo, the encouraging comments and hundreds of “likes” gave Hedd-Bowen the strength she needed to continue her battle. The mother of two recalls, “it was such an amazing lift to read things like that while I was feeling ill and emotional. It gave me a daily boost and reminded me to keep fighting.”
In June, only five months after her diagnosis, Hedd-Bowen received word that she was in remission. She was elated at the news and was extremely grateful for her Facebook friends and supporters who offered their comfort, care, encouragement, and kindness to her throughout her treatment.
With cancer behind her and a bright future in front of her, Hedd-Bowen has plans to raise money for cancer charities, return to college, travel, fall in love, and, of course, spend time with her two sons. Whichever battle she tackles next, she knows her Facebook friends will be there to support her.
To learn more about cancer treatment, or to find resources for cancer patients in Las Vegas, contact Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, an affiliate of UCLA and The US Oncology Network, at (702) 952-3350. Also make sure to follow CCCN on Facebook and Twitter.