In response, there are plenty of people voicing their frustration at the Facebook "slacktivism" calling out the idea that liking or posting something helps a cause.
While I agree, emojis are unhelpful, I'm not offended by them. From what I can see, people posting red hearts are trying to show they care. They have good intentions. I think they want to help.
But, like Connie, I have breast cancer, I'm a mother of two and a wife and I want to vanquish cancer. And unfortunately, a red heart emoji is not enough to help me.
Want to make a difference? Here's how:
1. DONATE TO CANCER RESEARCH
Charities like Love Your Sister and the Garvan Institute are working to prevent cancer. At www.loveyoursister.org you can "chuck in a buck". That's right, even $1 helps. Choosing to buy pink merchandise is fine but it usually goes to support services.
Instead of putting more and more breast care nurses out there, wouldn't it be great if we didn't need breast care nurses at all? Research will make a difference to my children and yours.
2. REACH OUT TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW WITH CANCER
Contact the people you know who have cancer and simply say, "I care and I'm here for you." Isn't that essentially what you're trying to say with the red heart on social media?
Too often, people feel helpless when someone they love has cancer but it needn't be that way. Telling someone you care helps more than you think. It provides motivation, hope and a reason to keep fighting.
3. CHECK YOURSELF
Check your moles, your breasts, your testes (or your partner's!) Book the colonoscopy. Make the appointment with your GP for whatever that niggling little thing is that you feel isn't quite right. You can't be serious about fighting cancer if you don't take cancer seriously. It can happen to you and early detection actually does make a big difference.
Lastly, act. Connie had a profound impact because of her actions. So much more than words and social media posts, Connie worked extremely hard to make a difference, to vanquish cancer and to change the world. In her memory, let's do more.
Libby Hill is a journalist, wife, mother and breast cancer thriver just trying to be the best version of herself. She's not quite in remission but it's looking good and doctors say they've removed all her cancer. She's winning the battle but it's not over yet. Follow her on instagram @justadlib
This article was first published on news.com.au