Whispers On The Web
The internet is a great resource for anyone
wanting to find out more about their laryngectomy
or tracheotomy; or for anyone wanting to reach
out and connect with people in a similar situation.
And in an effort to make it easier for you to find
just what you want, we’ve been scouring the net in
search of sites of interest.
In the first in this occasional series, we’d like to tell
you about one of the most comprehensive sites
out there: WebWhispers (www.webwhispers.org).
WebWhispers is based in the States, but has a real
international focus. In fact, they’re dedicated to
‘sharing support worldwide’. Right from the start,
their membership was drawn from across the
world. Their first ten members included two from
the UK.
One of the things we like most about WebWhispers
is that it manages to combine that international
focus with a real sense of community. And it’s
great to be able to access such a wide range of
experience and support from people all over
the globe. At its heart, WebWhispers is all about
supporting each individual through their own
recovery and rehabilitation process.
interesting opinions and insightful information
covering a broad spectrum of topics.
Whether or not you’re a member, you can access
everything and enjoy their excellent newsletter
articles without having to pay a penny. But once
you’ve had a good look around, we’re sure you’ll
be keen to join up. That way you can interact with
members around the world via forums and emails,
and take full advantage of the world’s largest lary
community.
No mention of WebWhispers would be complete
without a mention of its founder, Lt. Col. David
‘Dutch’ Helms. Like Clifford Norgate of the Cancer
Laryngectomee Trust, Dutch just couldn’t find an
adequate support network, so established one of
his own. In 1996 he established the ‘Cancer of the
Larynx’ website, which evolved into WebWhispers
within a couple of years. Dutch, sadly, died in 1996,
but circa 1,650 current members have a lot to
thank him for.
There is a very practical focus too. So you will find
useful sections on food and nutrition (including
some great recipes designed for different stages
of your rehabilitation), as well as information on
many aspects of everyday living. Contributions are
always welcome, so if you’ve got anything to add,
there is always room for your unique perspective
on things.
WebWhispers is now the largest support group
out there. With a membership base that takes in
caregivers and medical professionals as well as
patients; browsers can access a whole host of
30 THE VOICE | Summer 2010
Log on to WebWhispers and see for yourself. We
think it’s a great site – and well worth shouting
about. ?