As pointed out on our sister Newsblog, the BBC's Ivan Noble - a journalist who wrote online about his brain tumour - has sadly died.
Ivan's online diary showed many people what kind of power the internet had for the sharing of experiences, and for coping with problems. As Ivan wrote in his last entry, published on Sunday:
I know now that people have found the diary useful, and it meant a lot to me in particular to know that there were people in a similar situation to me or caring for such people who got something out of it.
The regular feedback from dozens and dozens of people every time I have written has been wonderful, especially in real times of crisis.
I know that it has kept me going much longer than I would have without it and I am grateful.
I am grateful to many people and this is probably the time to let them know.
The bad news reminded me of another online diary about cancer, belonging to Utah radio worker Dan Bammes. I interviewed Dan a couple of years ago as part of a feature about how people use the web to help cope with grief and illness, which also talked about Ivan and his BBC colleague Stuart Hughes. Dan's cancer is now in remission, and Stuart seems to be going from strength to strength. But they all helped others by putting their thoughts online.
It is at sad times like this that you hope their contributions have helped a few other people get through trauma.
Our thoughts go out to Ivan's family.
