Web connections

Some links to websites where family members can communicate about a loved one's illness:

www.acor.org -- Founded in 1995, this free Web site serves as a portal to more than 150 listservs on cancer-related diseases.

www.caringbridge.com -- Another free Web site that allows anyone to set up a Web page related to someone's illness; includes "guestbooks" where viewers can post messages. Currently has 16,000 users.

www.healthdiaries.com -- New site where contributing writers post regular diary entries of their struggles with various diseases. Viewers may post comments on message boards.

www.carepages.com -- A free Web site available in some hospitals that allows patients to set up personal Web pages to keep family and friends informed about their progress. Available locally at Tufts-New England Medical Center.