A few weeks ago I got a random invite on Facebook to become a fan of "Rufflebutts." Curious as to what this company was, I clicked the link to the fan page to find the cutest little diaper covers for infants and toddlers. After doing some exploring on their page, I learned that they were running an short promo for a good cause - for every person that became a fan, Rufflebutts would donate $1 to a fund for Laya Grace, a beautiful little toddler girl stricken with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Seeing this as an interesting way for Rufflebutts to gain more fans and popularity, I decided to do some research on Layla Grace.
When I Googled her name, the first thing I stumbled upon was laylagrace.org, where I learned Layla's story of her progressing disease. Saddened, but still curious, I continued to explore the site until if found the blog portion. I began reading an entry posted on February 28th titled "Not Like This." After reading about three sentences, my eyes began to fill with tears. I could feel the pain and horror in the words of Layla's father, and continued to read on about her worsening condition. So incredibly touched by that single blog entry, I quickly logged back into my Facebook to invite all of my friends to become a fan of Rufflebutts. Although from what I read Layla was not going to make it, I had to spread the word in hopes that many of my friends would also be touched by her story. I began following the Layla Grace Twitter account so I could have updates of her condition since the little girl kept crossing my mind day after day. Her parents Tweeted to her 48,000+ about her condition, and continuously asked for prayers.
You may be wondering why Layla's parents turned to Social Media as their daughter was struggling with a deadly disease. Her father explained that this was an easy way to keep them sane, friends and family instantly updated, and strengthen Layla's prayer base deep into the thousands.
Never would I have thought that Social Media could grow at such a rapid pace. Although it is such a terrible heart wrenching story, thanks to Twitter and Blogging little Layla Grace has not only made an impact on her friends and family, but the entire world.
On Tuesday march 9th this Tweet came on my Twitterfeed: "Layla went to play with the angels early this morning. Rest in peace precious Layla. 11/26/2007 - 3/9/2010." Instantly I teared up, and I'm sure thousands of other followers did as well.
Rest in Peace, Layla.
I too also followed Rufflebutts's blog for a while and felt the same emotions as you. She looked like such a precious child with an unfair disease. It was an extremely interesting idea for the parents to verbalize her condition to the world through social media websites. And it was very succesful because so much money was donated to this little girls diesease. I'm really glad you blogged about this.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I have never heard of Rufflebutts, but after reading your post I looked into it also. This may be one of the saddest things I have ever come across, yet it is truly amazing at how much social media can do. Her parents had to be strong in order to post updates like that. I know from experience that even 50 people at a funeral saying they're "Sorry for your loss" gets to be draining. Imagine what it must have felt like for thousands/millions to be saying that via social media. Though I am sure they felt touched, I would think it has to be more painful to hear that phrase so many times.
ReplyDeleteAww that's really sad. I've never heard of that kind of cancer before. Is this rare?
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