Social Healing- The use of social media for the greater good

Very recently a friend that I have known since the 8th grade died suddenly of a heart attack.  He was 36. Two years younger than I am.  I live in a different city than he does, yet I was almost instantly made aware of the situation through friends that live in our hometown.  Facebook brought all of us together again and our friends death created a call to action.  Over the course of a few days, I learned a few things I had missed about his life.  He had lost his job and was looking for another one.  He had a family and aside from the job loss appeared to be doing alright.  That's why it was such a shock to all of us when we discovered his passing.  One of his best friends from childhood, wanted to do something to help his family cope with the sudden loss.  Another friend suggested setting up a bank account in his name...but another suggested using fundrazr.com to start a funeral tribute fund for his family to cover funeral expenses.  I have to say I had my doubts that we would be able to come together and raise the kind of funds necessary to bury someone, but this has truly opened my eyes to just how philanthropic social media can be.  In two days we have pooled our finances and are 46% to our goal of $9,000 and as more and more people are notified the total grows ever closer. 

So, this situation got me thinking.  We are a nation of hardworking people.  Everybody works, and pays bills but sometimes we run into trouble.  You know, my friend didn't know he was going to die.  He was probably making plans for a great Easter and at age 36 I find it highly doubtful that he even tossed around the thought of his own mortality.  I know I haven't.  Until today.  I am so grateful that I live in an age where I can hop online and utilize the power that is social media to help others when I can.  I learned first hand how this was possible 2 years ago when my husband and I hit rock bottom after he was laid off.  Normally people shake it off let the dust settle and find other work.  We were used to that as in his industry it had happened before.  We learned from previous lay offs to store away an emergency fund but this time we had gone through it all.  I was 5 months pregnant and did not have a job, nor could I get one.  I interviewed well but they took one look at my belly and well...the rest is history.  I did the only thing I could think of to do after we were in danger of having to move back in with family when we couldn't pay rent...I went online.  I was part of a local forum in my city and a frequent visitor.  I learned all about the 'regulars' and we grew a tight online community.  Well one day out of desperation I posted a thread asking anyone if they had a rental home or space that they would be willing to let us utilize for a month or two until my children finished school. My simple question evolved into an unintentional fundraising effort for my family from members of my own community.  A fundraising account was set up for us and people actually donated.  We had total strangers offering their help and their money.  I had one lady that I'll never forget give me 1100 dollars. which covered rent for a month, and another cover the remainder of our lease.  I was humbled to tears at their generosity. 

The power of online social media to do good should never be underestimated.  Among the darker side of online communication there is always light.  People time and time again have shown me that.  I am grateful for sites like fundrazr.com and community forums that keep social media 'social'.