Mayo Staff Clinic. (2010). Tracheotomy. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tracheostomy/MY00261
Madan, G., Stadier, M.E., Uhrich, K., Reilly, C.,& Drake, A.F. (2011). Adolescents with Tracheostomies-Communication Cyberspace. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 75(5), 678-680. Retrieved from http://journals.ohiolink.edu.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/ejc/article.cgi?issn=01655876&issue=v75i0005&article=678_awtic.
Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure in which an airway is made within the trachea by means of an incision. The airway then becomes the position for the tracheotomy tube which enables breathing for those patients with disabilities and or serious neck/mouth injuries (Tracheostomy). Many patients with a tracheostomy have a very difficult time with speech and communication (Tracheostomy). Yet, new media technology has allowed for adolescents with this procedure and other speech and communication obstacles to not only communicate, but generate relationships and support groups with each other via Facebook (Academic Analysis Article). I believe Social Networking Sites, such as Facebook, are becoming great portals for health-centered support groups for young adults, such as tracheostomy patients (Academic Analysis Article) because this technology breaks down the speech barrier multiple patients could have while also bringing them closer to other patients with diseases such as their own for support and friendship.
Research was conducted in order to verify if Facebook was a good networking environment for patients with tracheostomies and the results indicated that it was (Academic Analysis Article). Adolescents between the ages of 11-18 were used in the study (Academic Analysis Article). Of the ones utilizing Facebook, and with the ability and opportunity to, results found that Social Networking Sites, like Facebook, offered an appropriate way for them to network and communicate with other adolescents with tracheostomies (Academic Analysis Article). They were able to post pictures of their tracheostomy and gain friends and support with people they otherwise would have never come in contact with. Facebook and other sites which allow networking are very relevant and popular today. The majority of adolescents are on some form of a SNS and most are using Facebook to communicate. Therefore, these sites do provide a good window for people with more rare diseases to find someone to network with who has their diagnosis as well. The ability for patients to be able to communicate when disorders prevent them from doing so and also to find other patients globally via a Social Networking site, in order to gain support and friendship are reasons why Social Networking Sites are great portals for health-centered support groups. 
This is a great post. It brings up ideas that I have never really considered before. This particular use of Facebook is really amazing because it isn’t what the site was created for, but it is a great example of what the site can do for people. These people are going through a very difficult time in their lives and Facebook gives them the ability to connect with people in a way that they never would have been able to do before Facebook. Yes they could text people they know without using their voice but Facebook brings another element into their lives which is connecting with other people who have shared experiences and who can understand what they are going through.
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I agree that sites such as Facebook have really facilitated communication among those that would otherwise be unable to have normal relationships. Support groups are a great way to keep spirits high and I think the Internet provides a great forum for individuals to share their experiences and offer condolences and advice to those that are new to the condition. Children are the most vulnerable to being outcasted by their friends for being different and it is nice to know that Facebook, being so popular among the younger crowd, can offer a helping hand in the healing process.
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