History?

[pillarpaul]

As a new participant that is fascinated bythis site, I am very curious as to the history of it. Doesn't seem to have a commercial endorser. When did it start? How did the word spread? How mnay registered users are there now? If this is answered elsewhere, you can just steer me there. Thanks.

Paul

 

[Nancy]

To find out how many members and how many posts, etc. go to the top of the main forums page, on the left. Maybe Hank or one of the very few starting members can answer your other questions.

It started out quite modestly and just kept growing and growing. It's the most responsive and most helpful medical message board that I've seen, and I surf a LOT, trying to keep up with Joe's various conditions.

 

[Ross]

Members: 662, Threads: 3,161, Posts: 30,997

That is at the current time and date. When I joined, I was member #286 and it's doubled in a little less then a year and a half. Most of your answers are on the main page to the site. It is supported by the members and Hank Eyring, the owner and administrator of the site. It pretty much has spread by word of mouth and a little advertising from members and some other forums.

I let the others add as necessary here.

 

[Rich]

The beginning

The beginning

It started in the late 90's by Hank Eyring who is the moderater of this site.
It was just a few dozen people e-mailing each other with questions and answers.
I think we were directed there from other sites such as Cachnet.
It was strictly those of us who had or were facing valve replacement surgery. It got out of hand fast because everyone involved received ALL the e-mails every day.
Then Hank created this fantastic site and the rest is history.
I don't think you could find a better source anywhere for information and support not to mention making a lot of good friends.
This site can answer your questions and hopefully put your mind at ease when you are facing valve surgery.
There are many, many very knowledgeable people here.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Paul

Rich couldn't have said it better. Few of us have been around since Hank started the original email group. Rich was also my mentor and very first heart buddy!

It's amazing to see the growth we have had over the years! We have regular member reunions from time to time. The next formal one will be in Chicago, IL August. We also have a mini reunion forming in Phoenix on March 25th.

Further information regarding Chicago will be posted in the months to come.

Welcome to VR.com!

 

[hensylee]

Hey, Paul - If you go to the Home Page, you will see where it says "It started With a Dream" - and that's how it started - with a few members and it grew - then it grew more - then it grew some more. I joined when it was a different-looking site, kinda looked like a chat room, back in 4/2000 and there were less than 100 members, all supporting each other. I was just searching the net trying to find out about my bypass surgery and what the heck happened to me, when this site popped up, I joined, not realizing I wasn't a valve receiver (DUH-shows how ignorant I was) and didn't belong, but there is so much for everybody, even us bypassers so I stayed, with blessings of the members. I have watched the site grow and been just amazed at what a great success Hank has achieved. We are all proud. God bless

 

[JimL]

There is no commercial sponsor of this site, right? Hank receives no money in order to run this site other than from the members.

There was a T-shirt (and sweat shirt) fundraiser last year.

What is the cost of keeping this site running? If we would be inclined to donate to this site, what kind of guidance is there on how much we should donate?

 

[epstns]

Anyone have an answer to JimL's question about support for VR.com?

 

[Ross]

You can donate through paypal on the main page at the bottom. Hank had said in the past that he wants to keep this free of commercialism because of the responsibilities that come with that package. I can't say as I blame him any.
The amount you donate is what you feel you can and what it's worth to you. You can donate anytime and multiple times throughout the year(s).
As far as what this site costs to run, only Hank can highlight us on that, but I'm sure it has to be more then any one person could handle.
I do hope everyone that enjoys it here can find it in their interest to help keep this place alive for all of us, past, present and future.

 

[JimL]

Thanks, Steve, for your support, and thanks, Ross, for the answer. I asked the question some time ago, perhaps December. I haven't given anything since the T-shirts, and I am willing to do so, but some sort of guidance would be helpful regarding what the total costs are. I can do whatever kind of math I want to do after that.

 

[Blanche]

I became a member in early April 2001. Albert had a stroke due to what the doctor called "Coumadin failure" (very low INR.). As he was recovering, they had a very hard time regulating his anticoagulation. Our cardiologist arranged for us to purchase the ProTime Monitor. Then, we changed the monitoring of the coumadin to our internist, for reasons that are not important here. The internist had no faith in the home monitor and wanted us to send it back. I came to this site to seek help and comfort from members who used home monitoring. Because of this site and the people who provided testimonials for me to take to the doctor he agreed to let Al use the machine on a "trial basis".....If it has not been for people like Gina, Christina, Rain, Rob Thats Me, Marty, Jeannie, and others, we would not have the peace of mind today that we have with home testing. Thanks to all!!!! There's no way that I could put a price on this.


It would be hard to accurately figure the "cost" of running this board. In addition to the dollars spent, there is no way to put a price on the time and energy that Hank invests in this place for those who benefit beyond description. He does have a full-time job, a wife, and four children.

We contribute two or three times a year. Since we live on a fixed income....Al can no longer consult and I choose not to....the best that I have been able to do is $20.00 to $35.00 each time. I wish we had more. Maybe after I become eligible for Social Security. I know that any amount sent is appreciated.

Hope this helps.
Blanche