A Change to Hearts – When a Little, Means a Lot
Over the past few years, I’ve used Twitter for all kinds of things. I’ve used it to share health information, participate in conversations, engage in professional 
learning, and raise awareness. Last week, I even used it to take a poll.
Until recently, I mostly thought of Twitter as an information-sharing platform. Then, this past week, Twitter changed the icon for its favorites from stars to hearts.
It’s kind of amazing how one small change can, on one hand, be so controversial, and on the other hand, potentially mean so much.
Are you feeling the Twitter ❤ ? Survey says… https://t.co/HZNapjIdg4 pic.twitter.com/UA0YNLtifT
— Marie Ennis-O’Connor (@JBBC) November 5, 2015
A Shining Star
Last week, our family friend Dr. Craig Alguire, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Craig is a cardiologist who grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, and now practices just down the road in Grand Rapids.
Former Grand Haven man undergoes treatment for brain cancer. #imwithcraig — https://t.co/ZVAOi9V3Hw pic.twitter.com/08v5YUcbfj — Krystle Wagner (@krystlewagner) November 5, 2015
Craig comes from the kind of family we all wish for – a family that cares for one another, and for their community. When my wife and I first moved to West Michigan, Craig’s sister and brother-in law, Amy and John, were instrumental in helping us get settled into our new surroundings. We remain, to this day, best of friends.
Sharing the Love
#imwithcraig pic.twitter.com/kRQvbjfHns
— Ashley Reppuhn (@ashleyreppuhn) November 5, 2015
As a surgeon, I’m trained to fix problems. I like fixing problems. Unfortunately, this isn’t something I can fix.
When there’s nothing I can do to help with my hands, it turns out, there’s still something I can do with my heart.
Fortunately, Craig’s family has been open about his condition. They’ve embraced the Love of a community that, for so long, they themselves have served.
Making Thousands of Tiny Prayers
My Friend is having Brain Surgery Today Please send him some social support With ❤️’s #imwithcraig #hcsm #medx pic.twitter.com/Yl88uti37x — Dr. Brian Stork (@StorkBrian) November 5, 2015
As friends and loved ones in these situations, it often feels like there is nothing we can do. It turns out, Twitter knowingly, or unknowingly, has just provided us with something we can do. When you stop and really think about it, hitting that little heart icon is a great way to show Love and support – especially when, for whatever reason, you physically can’t be there.
With the right intentions, those little hearts might also be a way of offering up a tiny prayer.
A Blanket of Hearts
When we don’t feel well, sometimes nothing feels better than the comfort of a warm blanket. One way we can help Craig and his family is to provide them with just that. As he recovers, let’s wrap Craig up in a blanket of Twitter hearts and Love.
Please consider sending a piece of your heart to Craig and his family, via Twitter, to hashtag #ImWithCraig
social media can be a beautiful thing. love for our cousin Craig #CancerSucks #graymatters #ImWithCraig #teamCraig pic.twitter.com/ddLodivTbP — Holly Marie CKD CAPS (@HollyMarieLKS) November 5, 2015
The show of support for Craig and his family has been amazing to witness. My family is proud to be a part of the Team Craig movement. If love truly does conquer all (as the saying goes), then Craig Alguire and Staci Constant Alguire have all their bases covered!