Mom's Cancer

Webcomics form communities among individuals who would normally never have to opportunity to connect with each other. This screenshot from the webcomic Mom’s Cancer shows how this webcomic connected individuals struggling with cancer, either directly or through a family member. Mom’s Cancer by Brian Fies is a webcomic that focuses on the artist’s mom and her struggle with cancer. Fies writes about emotional struggles and struggles relating to treatment in the form of digital storytelling [1]. This screenshot directly shows the audience connection through the line "many readers wrote to tell me how surprised and relieved they were to learn there weren't alone." Many people experiencing these struggles feel like they are going through their problems alone. Mom’s Cancer has given these people a place to connect where they would not have had the chance to before. Connecting with others can create significant change in some individuals [2]. This webcomic, along with many others, allows a diverse group of individuals to connect. The internet allows these groups to share their struggles and ideals [3]. Webcomics create a platform for individuals to form communities and discuss the struggles they go through. 

1. Copeland, Sarah, and Aldo de Moor. 2018. “Community Digital Storytelling for Collective Intelligence: Towards a Storytelling Cycle of Trust.” AI & Society 33 (1): 101–11. doi:10.1007/s00146-017-0744-1.

2. Shane, Alyson. Tedx Winnipeg. “The Positive Power of Digital Communities”. YouTube video, 12 minutes. Posted August 9th, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pj7dWncixY.

3. Mahtani, Minelle. "Representing Minorities: Canadian Media and Minority Identities." Canadian Ethnic Studies 33, no. 3 (2001): 99-133. http://prx.library.gatech.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/215637496?accountid=11107