I think the original intent of the thread was to respect someone's choice for privacy - to not be on display in a specifically named thread exposing details of an illness or other crisis for just anyone to read - but who still would welcome the encouragement and support privately through e-mails or personal messages. Kat is a very caring, compassionate individual and is to be praised for her ability to recognize and provide for the needs of others. I don't think this is about religion at all. It is about people caring about people. If it were me, I would not want my situation, well meaning as it may be, in a thread available to the comments of just anyone. Rather I would not mind at all hearing privately from those who might want to wish me well or offer support, encouragement or hope. It would be perfectly appropriate for Kat and/or one or two others to serve as conduits and receive private requests for support and to pass those requests on privately to those willing to respond to someone in need privately. There is no need for anything to be public if the recipient wishes to remain private. But the good that can come from knowing that others genuinely care, one person to another, is priceless. Keep this simple and to the purpose for which it was intended - helping someone through a difficult time.

Jake