The purpose of this case study was to discover and describe how four people living with terminal illness (PLTIs) used an online service called CaringBridge to construct meaning of the illness and potential death experiences they faced. Symbolic Interactionism provided the lens through which data was analyzed. Guiding research questions were: (1) What types and frequency of reporting did PLTIs send through an online journal over the course of their illness and ultimate death? (2) How did the messages posted by the four PLTIs demonstrate the process of Symbolic Interactionism in regard to the PLTIs' attempts to create meaning in their illness and death experiences?

Online journal data was downloaded verbatim and coded using inductive content analysis techniques to identify relevant themes related to types/frequency of reporting and Fife's (1994) four dimensions of Symbolic Interactionism (SI).

While each PLTI's journal was unique, there were some commonalities. For types and frequency of reporting, all four PLTIs had "Daily Activities Information/General Information" and "Medical Reporting" appear as one of their top three reporting categories. Three of the PLTIs also had "Current Emotional Health" reporting as one of their top three categories.

In terms of SI dimensions, one of the most frequent among all four PLTIs' journals answered the question "How do you see your diagnosis affecting how you live in the future?" All PLTIs demonstrated an unwavering belief that taking control of their illness was the best action they could take. "How has your illness affected the way you think about yourself?" was another top SI dimension among all four PLTIs and largely related to hair loss and physical changes. Three PLTIs also shared a top Sl dimension related to "How has your illness affected your relationships with family and friends?" Each wrote about finding meaning by recognizing and maintaining relationships discovered through use of the CaringBridge website.

Findings suggest meaning-making is an important and desired activity among PLTIs. To that end, the medical community and others supporting PLTIs should consider referring PLTIs to opportunities like CaringBridge. Practitioners could also use PLTIs' journals (if allowed) to help identify and respond directly to PLTI concerns or issues in a holistic manner.