September 18, 2007, Mesa, Arizona--

An increasing number of families dealing with medical trauma are turning to the internet/media outlets to alleviate the pain caused by repeatedly relating traumatic information to concerned friends and family members. The ever increasing availability of the internet makes online distribution of information the easiest way to ensure that everyone who would like to be aware of the situation is able to follow it closely without the immediate family members feeling overwhelmed by never-ending questions and repeated answers.

The local Sasso family has learned to use both print media and online information dissemination sites to aid them as they cope with their unexpected tragedy. The Sasso family posts news and takes comments from friends, family, loved ones, and strangers who are touched by their story at caringbridge.org/visit/guysasso. CaringBridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit web service that offers free, personalized websites to support and connect families and loved ones during critical illness, treatment, and recovery. Over 70,000 families have accessed CaringBridge services by creating personalized web pages to date.

The Sasso’s are one of the 70,000 that CaringBridge has helped. A household accident left Guy Sasso’s family in turmoil. The unexpected fall while walking from the living room to the kitchen resulted in a severe and traumatic brain bleed. Quick decisions were called for at the Banner Thunderbird ER where the family decided to opt for brain surgery. The three hours of brain surgery was followed by five days in a coma after which he experienced one alert moment. The removal of the life support tube offered hope of recovery to a family that adored their husband, daddy, uncle, papa, and friend. But less than 24 hours later, Guy fell asleep for a very long three weeks. Against medical prognosis, he once again opened his eyes on August 15^th, 2007. Guy Sasso’s medical team has encouraged the family to provide him with as much interaction as possible even though the Sasso family still waits for those moments of “alertness” when they are able to recognize the man they miss.

The webpage, caringbridge.org/visit/guysasso, allows family members not only to provide others with up to date information on Guy’s medical situation, but to collect comments that his wife shares with him as she sits by his bedside: stories, memories, well wishes, etc.

In addition to reading the comments collected online, Guy’s family finds that reading him stories printed in the local paper featuring their family members tends to reward them with a response. For instance, Guy’s grandson is quarterback for Valley Christian High School. After the family brought the Saturday paper and read aloud the story entitled, “Sasso Rallies Valley Christian”, Guy began to cry and then sob. His family reminded him that his legacy is thriving. He has many who not only love him, but that live the lives they live because of him.

The Sasso family continues to hope that Guy will improve more each week. They will continue with their attempts to aid him in his recovery by offering him news and stories to entertain as well as remind him of the legacy he has created through family, through community, and through a strong example.

For more information contact: Steve Sasso, ssasso@homelifecommunities.com.

Resources:

Caringbridge.org