I’m sharing this list of tech tools for tough times for two reasons:

1. You should bookmark these resources so they’re handy if you or someone you love needs support during a health or personal crisis.
2. My husband has a rare blood cancer, and we’re prepping for a life-saving stem-cell transplant this fall. So we’re using these resources ourselves, and I could use your support!

Tools for Caregivers and People Going Through Stuff

1. CaringBridge

In January of this year, doctors told D.J. that he needed a stem-cell transplant, and whoa buddy… it’s a Thing with a capital “T.” D.J has a big family, and it quickly became overwhelming to text everyone all the updates.

So we set up a free CaringBridge site (here’s D.J.’s, if you want to follow along). You get a free blog where patients and caregivers can share news, photos and thanks all in one place. Friends and family can follow along without you having to repeat yourself again and again.

To be honest, the interface and capabilities seem a little stuck in 2014. And I absolutely hate that visitors are encouraged to offer a “tribute” to the patient. It looks like you’re donating to the person, but it’s actually a donation to CaringBridge. I wish they made it more clear.

But it is ad-free, so they have to make their money somewhere, I suppose. Plus they do let you hook up a GoFundMe page plus requests for gift cards, a MealTrain (see below) and more.

2. Kudoboard

Here’s where I need your help!

Think of Kudoboard as the group card gone digital. Everyone adds their own messages, photos, GIFs or videos. The finished board can be delivered online, shown as a slideshow or printed into a keepsake book. Kudoboards are perfect for wedding gifts, new babies, retirements and…. D.J.! They have different price levels, and I bought the $20 version so I can create a MASSIVE Kudoboard with well wishes from his friends, family and YOU!

Please click here to add your words of encouragement, funny GIFs, silly poems and even favorite Bible verses. He’s probably headed into the hospital in November, and I want to create a book with all the messages.

3. VidDay

VidDay is kind of like Kudoboard in that you can collect well wishes for a group hug. Set up a page and send out an invite to collect video messages from friends and family. People upload their little messages, and the app helps you edit them together and add a theme and music. In minutes you have a polished video montage.

The site charges based on the length of the video, but yay! It’s free for get well videos! I might do one of these for D.J. as well.

4. Lotsa Helping Hands

Back to caregiver tools. Lotsa Helping Hands works like a community command center for people in need. You set up a private group with a shared calendar so people can sign up for meals, rides, errands or whatever is needed. It also has a Well Wishes wall and photo gallery so supporters can stay connected even from afar.

5. Caring Village

Caring Village is like a digital binder for caregivers. It has calendars, to-do lists, medication tracking, a wellness journal and document storage so nothing gets lost. The free version will probably suffice for most.

6. MealTrain

One of the easiest ways to help someone is to bring them dinner. MealTrain makes it simple to set up a calendar where friends and neighbors can sign up for a date, see food preferences and avoid duplicating meals. If cooking is not an option, you can send gift cards or donations instead. A paid upgrade lets you schedule rides, errands and other activities.