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Care2 Blogger Profile: Ann Pietrangelo
Oct 8, 2010
Did you know that more than 70 bloggers from around the world contribute to Care2's Healthy & Green Living and Causes areas? They're a wonderfully talented and important part of our team, but I suspect many Care2 members know little about what inspires them. So, I'll be shining the spotlight on some of our bloggers. First up is Ann Pietrangelo.  Ann is a freelance writer and contributes to health policy and several other Care2 Cause channels.

How long have you been blogging?
My husband, Jim, and I decided to indulge our writing bug with a personal blog back in 2007. It was only a matter of weeks until a freelance writing career was born.

When did you start blogging for Care2?
I started writing for Causes in January, 2009 and ventured into Healthy & Green Living that summer.

What topics do you blog about on Care2? Why do you blog about those topics?
I've weighed in on just about every topic, but my main focus in Causes is health care policy. It's something I've always been interested in, but after my 2004 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS,) the problems with our health care system became crystallized and intensely personal.

My eyes were opened to the inequity of it all and the realization that any of "us" can become "them" in the blink of an eye. That holds true of health care, hunger, poverty, and just about any facet of human existence.

In Healthy & Green Living, I write about healthy lifestyle, and living with MS, disability, and chronic illness. We have a personal responsibility to take care of ourselves – physically and spiritually – as much as possible, and to lend a helping hand to others.

Besides what you blog about, has anything on Care2 changed how you think about your world and the way you do things?
In more ways than I can count. Before becoming involved with Care2, I had little knowledge about the power of internet activism, or the energy that comes from a group of people sharing the common goal of making the world a better place.

Here we've got Care2 staff, writers, and members from all over the world coming together to exchange ideas and formulate action plans. Whether or not we agree with each other, we have the platform to debate the issues openly and with honesty.

We are individuals, but we do not live in isolation. The decisions we individually make each day have an impact on other people and on the world around us. That is why you sometimes get a sense of awe when reading the latest civil rights post or environmental piece.

Why do you spend your time blogging?
I've always felt comfortable with the written word and began writing as a form of personal expression. But blogging on Care2 has turned out to be much more than that. Words matter and I learned that my words could make a difference. If I can pass along important information... if I can open one person's mind to a different point of view... if I can simply get a conversation started... then I feel that I've done something worthwhile.

When I receive an email from someone who says I've captured feelings they were unable to express, or if they're writing just to say "thank you," I get a feeling inside that you wouldn't believe.

Do you have a favorite "must read" blogger or blog -- either on Care2 or another site? Why are they important to you?
I have more than a few "must reads" and would be hard pressed to choose favorites. I am amazed by the talent and enthusiasm of the writers at Care2, not to mention the energy. Being part of this eclectic group is an honor and a privilege.

If someone was interested in blogging about healthy & green living or on causes, what would you tell them?
You are in for an interesting ride! Keep an open mind and be prepared to learn as much as you teach.

Are there any other non-Care2 blogs that you regularly contribute to?
I am a contributing writer and blog manager for In The Trenches Productions' blog, Women Over 40 Rock! And you'll soon be able to find me at Natural Choice Directory.

I've been featured on The Health Central Network's Multiple Sclerosis Central and MSFocus Magazine. I also do various web writing through WebCamp One and just completed a memoir that I hope to publish.

How can people connect with you?
I love feedback, so please visit me on AnnPietrangelo.com.
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Posted: Oct 8, 2010 5:48pm

 
 
 
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