In January of 2024, I had a revelation: our FeLV story was so much more than numbers and test results. For my husband, the goal of documenting Chiana’s journey was clear. He hoped her data could become the foundation for meaningful research into the use of raltegravir and other antiretrovirals for cats. For me, the purpose was less defined but deeply personal. I wanted to share our story, to let others know they weren’t alone in navigating the heartbreak of an FeLV diagnosis.
I knew the "black hole" that loomed ahead—the uncertainty, the emotional weight of knowing Chiana’s life would be far shorter than we hoped, and the constant fear that her journey could end abruptly. For months, I wrestled with the tears and grief that came with her diagnosis.
But I also wanted to find a way to channel those emotions, to turn our pain into something constructive. I’d heard of CaringBridge, a free online service designed for documenting the journeys of those facing serious illnesses. It offered a space to write publicly while maintaining some privacy. Although the platform emphasized "family members," I wondered: could Chiana be considered family? For me, the answer was an unequivocal yes.
Finding My Voice
At the time, I didn’t know the first thing about blogging. I wasn’t sure how to start or whether anyone would care. But during this uncertain period, I connected with a coworker who shared my love for cats. Her encouragement was a lifeline. She believed in my idea and bolstered my confidence to give it a try. Without her early support, I might never have taken that first step.
When I launched the CaringBridge site, I didn’t promote it widely. It became a quiet repository for Chiana’s story—old anecdotes, test results, and reflections. With the support of a few trusted readers, I allowed myself to reveal what I learned as I learned it. Surprisingly, the site became a resource. When someone reached out to me about her kittens’ FeLV diagnosis, I shared the link, and she found the information she needed to support her own journey. Knowing our story could help someone else was deeply rewarding. You can find that old site here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/chianawill
A New Chapter
By summer, changes to the CaringBridge platform made it clear that it was time to move. I needed a space better suited to my goals and the needs of others who might stumble upon Chiana’s story. That’s when I decided to explore blogging more seriously.
In September 2024, I enrolled in a free online WordPress class. I was nervous but hopeful. I had specific goals: I wanted a free blog with a simple, old-school design. This wasn’t about flashy visuals or monetization; it was about authenticity—sharing my journey with Chiana and creating a resource for others.
While I’d dabbled with WordPress before, I’d found the free options limiting and often abandoned my attempts. During my research, I discovered Blogger. It wasn’t flashy, but it had been around for ages and seemed to meet my needs. Plus, as an old Google property, it felt familiar. I even found a few ancient blogs I’d created years ago and promptly deleted them to start fresh.
With my husband’s IT expertise and with ChatGPT's help, I created a basic but functional blog. The ability to backdate posts allowed me to transfer content from CaringBridge seamlessly. In early 2025, the new site was ready to go live. I was thrilled to have a dedicated space to continue sharing Chiana’s story and, hopefully, connect with others navigating similar challenges.
An Open Invitation
If you’re considering starting a blog to share your own story—whether it’s about a beloved pet, a personal journey, or a cause close to your heart—know that you don’t have to be an expert to begin. Platforms like Blogger and WordPress make it accessible, and there’s a supportive community out there ready to cheer you on.
Chiana’s story is still unfolding, and this blog is just one chapter in our journey. If you’re interested in creating something similar or want to connect, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can turn stories into a source of comfort and strength for those who need it most.
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