Cora’s Story – Moms Please Read!!

In case you haven't been following my blog very long, you probably wouldn't know that I began this blog to talk about Child Safety and Prevention of Child Abuse/Neglect.
I have gone a few different directions in the past month and a half and am really enjoying supporting new bloggers with my Newbie Blog Hop and I'm really loving participating in Giveaways, especially the Really Big Ones!!
Today, I wanted to go back to my original passion – Children – and bring to you the most inspiring blogger I have "met" since I started reading blogs.
Kristine Brite McCormick is Cora's Mommy.
I came across Kristine's blog while reading a Feature from another blogger who said she reads Cora's Story and it makes her cry. I have an extremely tender heart (I honestly don't really need many more things to cry about) so I had to find out.
Who I found is a Mommy who has turned her pain into a mission to help others avoid it. And she's doing a darn good job of it!!!!
Kristine advocates for legislation to require newborn testing for pulse oximetry screening and congenital heart defects. She has successfully lobbied to introduce pulse ox screening in Indiana. Beginning in January 2012, every Indiana newborn will be screened for heart defects.
I was truly honored when Kristine agreed to let me interview her so I could further spread the word about what she is doing.
My interview with Kristine from Cora's Story
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your life.
I live in Indiana with my two dogs and husband, Ben. I devote much of my time to my sites and freelance writing. Ever since the death of my daughter, Cora, I've been determined to use my social media and blogging skills for social good.
Do you have more than one blog? If so, tell me about them!
Too many to count! Really! I even have some I maintain anonymously. I view Cora's Story as my main blog. It actually started under a different name, Instructions Are Not Included. I began the blog shortly after finding out I was pregnant with my first child. When she passed away in December, 2009, I changed the name and have blogged there since. I have a blog about life as a writer/blogger/internet marketer, Life Unsettled: Freelance writing tips, tales, and how-to's. Many of my other blogs aren't currently active because I'm frankly a bit overwhelmed!
{I'll show you a couple of places I've found her ;)}
She runs a Group Blog for Moms who have lost babies at Good In Their Name.

This site is a resource for more information on Congenital Heart Defects.
How long have you been blogging?
I first started a now defunct blog about working from home circa 2007. It was a tiny, tiny blog.
Why did you start blogging? Is this also why you continue blogging?
I started blogging for the wrong reasons. I wanted to make a career of it. I soon learned that's now how blogging works. Make good content and then perhaps you can turn it into a career.
Who does your blog appeal to? Is this who you thought would be your target audience?
I'm always surprised by my readers. I think I have a lot of readers that have also lost children, and parents of children with congenital heart defects, the condition that killed my daughter. I'm really surprised when I get notes from young girls or non-moms.
What direction do you see your blog going in the future?
Cora's Story is my space to parent Cora. I often write letters directly to her. I think as more time passes, I'll cherish even more the Cora's place online.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far with your blog?
While for every unstable or mean person I've met literally hundreds of amazing people, I have dealt with some cruel people that have written things about my daughter and my life that would make your blood curl.
What do you love about blogging?
Connecting with people! I'm so amazed at the opportunities my blog has brought me.
What do you NOT love about blogging?
I think I don't like the "I need to post" feeling when I have little to say but feel like it's been too long since my last post.
Besides your blog, how else can people find you?
Twitter, Facebook and I'm also on LinkedIn as Kristine Brite McCormick and Google+ under that same name.
Which method is your favorite/least favorite?
I don't use LinkedIn much, so it's probably my least favorite. I love Twitter. It's nice because people are forced to keep things short and sweet. {Twitter can save the day…}
Share your top 3 favorite posts from your blog.
On the day you were born… Cora’s birth story Five days that changed the world. Day five. Five days that changed the world. Day Five, again: One Night
Share your top 3 favorite blogs to read and why.
Good question. I've never been asked that, and am having trouble narrowing it down! I love the group blog, Band Back Together, and read it nearly every day. It's just an amazing idea and a community so needed.
Do you have any bloggers that you consider to be mentors?
Too many to name. I take a bit from everyone. I also like to think that I have my own voice.
How do you find time to blog?
So much of what I do is based on social media/blogging that it's just a natural part of my day.
What is your best advice for a Newbie Blogger?
Don't be afraid to lay it all out there. My blogging and writing improved so much when I stopped holding back, really after Cora's death. As a journalism major, I'd been taught to write for the reader. It took a few years of blogging to realize that I needed to write and blog for me.
Kristine Brite McCormick Cora's Mom http://www.corasstoryblog.com Raising $30k for the 30,000 children in Iraq awaiting heart surgery. Pulse Ox Advocacy: Help Save Babies! http://www.pulseoxadvocacy.com Helping Small Nonprofits Spread Their Message Online http://www.kristinebrite.com
Learn more about Congenital Heart Disease on Kristine's site. Read the post every pregnant woman should read. Know what to do for a friend if they have lost a baby.
Five days that changed the world.
Meet Cora
I’m your newest follower from the hop. check me out at http://hugatreewithme2.blogspot.com whenever u can
Roechelle recently posted..Today’s List of Work at Home Job Opportunities
Will do!! Welcome!!
Thank you so, so, so much for this Janet. xo
Kristine recently posted..When a Fake Profile Infiltrates Your Online Support Community
It was my pleasure!!
I have never read that story before. Thanks so much for sharing with us. It’s so great that states are beginning to recognize the need for extra testing before babies are released from the hospital. Great post!
Roxanne DeBord recently posted..Karen’s Clothesline 1st Anniversary Celebration Photo Contest
Thank you so much!! I was truly honored when she agreed to interview with me and this is a post that I am very proud of for many reasons!!