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About the Herpes-Coldsores Support Network
The HC Support Network was started in the year 2000 on March 25th and was born out of a need to have a place to talk openly and honestly about herpes, based on real-life experiences and without judgment or stigma.
In case you are new to this, herpes is a very common virus which causes cold sores, genital herpes and shingles, as well as other complications including neonatal herpes and encephalitis.
In the time when the HC Support Service came to be there were only a few local support organizations, primarily only in major cities, and often very little direction available for HSV patients other than a doctor's consultation, advice that it is incurable and a prescription of medication to help make the symptoms temporarily go away.
HC Support Network Creator, Shenda, believed there was a need for a free, reliable and compassionate Herpes Support resource. She wanted to create a place which could allow men and women from countries all over the world to talk about how they feel about having herpes (sometimes for the first time in their lives) and to know that they are not alone and that there are options.
Shenda has worked in a health clinic for many years and in the process has provided support to thousands of people with HSV. She realized that nearly everyone she talked to who was affected by this virus was being brought down more by their thoughts of what the word 'herpes' meant to them than by the actual disease itself.
It is obvious that most people would like to talk to someone when they learn about this virus without the fear of judgment or shame. A good support network of understanding friends can make life and acceptance of H so much easier.
It occurred to Shenda that most people really had no place to talk about something that is actually quite normal but potentially the end of the world if you have no-one to relate to. So, with the help of a programmer and the encouragement of her local clinic she started a very basic website forum with some categories that she felt were the most needed, e.g. Dating & Relating, Could I have herpes? Technical Discussion, etc ... and gradually it grew from there.
In 2005 a virus hit the server and everything was lost, but as life would have it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was the catalyst needed to get the website's software upgraded and to devote more time to making the forum a welcoming and fun place to hang-out.
The HC Support Network is now maintained mostly by volunteered hours from a group of women in the United States and Australia, namely Shenda, Catiesmom and Shayna. Together they help to offer support and guidance on a daily basis to our visitors. Thanks also in part to the various sponsors who help to fund the hosting and website costs and offer discounts on their products and services to HC members. Without their sponsored advertising we would not be able to offer our service completely free of charge.
The HC Support Network's goal is to continue to offer Information, Communication, Awareness and Support for a condition that is often misunderstood and stigmatized in our society. Through this awareness we hope to bring a small amount of peace and contentment to those who are personally affected.
We are constantly trying to improve our resources and are always listening to your ideas and suggestions. We also appreciate every kind word and source of encouragement... never underestimate the difference a positive post could make to someone who is in need right now in this moment J
If you have any questions or would like to become a part of our Support Network please
contact us.
Where to Now?
 Ask questions and get support right now in the Herpes Support Forum
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