the Nie Nie Dialouges--it's no longer virtual

I had never heard of the Nie Nie Dialogues before I read on StartupPrincess.com about the tragedy that struck the Nielsen family. Stephanie Nielson (author of the Nie Nie Dialogues) and her husband Christian, parents of four children under the age of five, were in a tragic plane crash a few weeks ago. Though the couple survived (the pilot did not) Stephanie and Christmas are suffering from third-degree burns covering most of their bodies (80% for Stephanie and 30% for Christian).

The couple is still in critical condition and will receive months and months of treatments. The children will live with extended family while their parents remain in the hospital. The cost of medical treatment is expected to reach the millions, and to ease the family's burden the online community has come to the Nielson's aid.

People all around the world are coming together to show their support for Stephanie and her family and to help raise money for their rising medical costs. I've heard of a variety of online auctions and fundraising efforts on numerous seemingly unrelated blogs, something which tells me there is great power in community--online and off.

I love "After Blogger's Plane Crash, Virtual Becomes Personal," an article by the New York Times that shows just how personal the virtual world can be. And here's an interview from The Today Show with Matt Lauer I think is definitely worth a watch:




If your heart has been touched by Stephanie's story I highly recommend you check out Nie Recovery for a list of ways you can help. The site includes buttons you can add to your own blog or site and a link to the Benefit Blog listing current online efforts. You can also read updates about the patients on Stephanie's sister's blog, c jane enjoy it. If nothing else, send a few prayers their way. Every little bit helps because in the end, it is personal. --Emily