The web has a great history of people taking the lead in creating grass-roots online communities that link visitors to desired information.  These web-based communities become specialized web portals. Encephalitis Global is a good example of that.

A group photo of four encephalitis survivors and members of Encephalitis Global, clockwise from left, you see Ruth (in pink) with her assistance dog Max, Ingrid, Bevan and Wendy. Each very active in the encephalitis community.  Wendy Station notes: "As you can see, encephalitis is an invisible disability.  The basic feedback we often get is, you look okay, you MUST be okay!"

A section called "Me...& YOU," allows group members to introduce themselves and write about their particular form of encephalitis, how they acquired it and how it has affected them.  A visitor quickly learns about some of the forms of encephalitis including the West Nile Virus, Viral Encephalitis, Encephalitis acquired as a result of having the measles, Encephalomyelitis, Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE).  Some contract encephalitis because of a mosquito bite.  

Even though the experiences related by people suggest a difficult adjustment to the change in their lives, the group members remain positive and optimistic.  That attitude permeates the discussion postings as well.  That is a testament to this community which despite the adverse nature of the different forms of encephalitis, stays strong and supportive for each other.

There are a number of other features including pictures of group members, encephalitis and other related links, a listing of books about encephalitis and brain injury, you can purchase wristbands which state: "Brave Faces," or a lapel button with the Encephalitis Global logo, and help support the site.  Encephalitis Global is a 501(3)(c) not-for-profit organization in the United States.

What is quite touching is the site's guestbook.  You can read posting after posting of people and family members who have experienced encephalitis and are happy to find a place where they can share with others who have gone through the same things.  What is so unique about the web and about sites like Encephalitis Global is bringing together people from around the world - some who may be isolated from other survivors and suddenly find a place where people understand them.  Finally a place to share and learn and the world becomes a smaller place.

Wendy Station, the founder of Encephalitis Global has also put her dedication to work as an advocate.  In 2004 Wendy testified to congress concerning the human impact of encephalitis.  In 2005 she spoke to the District of North Vancouver Council as a delegation on the topic of West Nile's impact.  Encephalitis Global has grown as an organization as well.  In 2002 the group held its first conference entitled FACES (Friends and Caregivers, Encephalitis Survivors).

Encephalitis Global has relationships with three other websites that are a great support for the encephalitis community:  encephgroup is a Yahoo! group for survivors, family members, caregivers and friends,  Nceph2group is a Yahoo! Group for parents of children with encephalitis - these groups are also very active.  The third is called Encephalitis Cases and has an impressive listing of personal stories of adults and children who have been affected by the various forms of encephalitis.  We want to emphasize again the positive nature and determination to move forward of the individuals who contribute to these three websites.  Besides the Encephalitis Global group website you can also visit the organizations main website: www.encehphalitisglobal.org

Encephalitis Global is another one of those special places in the web that brings people, support and information together.  Take some time and visit them.  We think you will come away with more knowledge and hope about this condition as we did.

Northeast Center for Special Care is pleased to present Encephalitis Global as our website of the month for September, 2006.  They are just a click away, and don't forget to bookmark them so you can visit again.