According to the latest statistics, approximately 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2013 alone. Out of those people, it’s expected that approximately 400,000 cases will be terminal this year. As the medical community continues to race for a cure for this devastating sickness, many are turning to unconventional methods to fight against cancer in their own way.

Bryan Lenett is an internet entrepreneur who has been heavily involved in digital development and design since the age of 18. In 2011, he lost a childhood friend to cancer. During Rebecca Jimenez’s battle with cancer, Bryan Lenett repeatedly told her that she would fight the sickness and that her story would inspire millions around the globe to keep up the fight. Though Rebecca passed away, her legacy lives strong in CancerShare, a social media platform Bryan Lenett developed to connect cancer patients around the globe.

While the physical ailments of cancer are apparent, it batters emotional health as well. In fact, numerous medical and psychological studies have revealed that many cancer patients have the tendency to feel lonely and isolated, even when their family and friends surround them. By founding CancerShare, Bryan Lenett hopes that cancer patients will be able to connect with other cancer patients and find support from people who understand their situation.

With an estimated 12 million people with cancer living in the United States alone, CancerShare is a major platform for those seeking emotional support. Unlike traditional social media, Bryan Lenett designed CancerShare to let patients share their stories with others and find support from fellow patients, medical experts, and family and friends. Such a targeted community of users has already had a positive impact in countless lives. Indeed, the spirit and legacy of Rebecca Jimenez continues to make a positive difference today thanks to the site Bryan Lenett designed.

Though only in its beta release, CancerShare has captured the attention of thousands of users around the globe. Bryan Lenett continues to harness user feedback and analyze site trends to continue improving the site to enhance the user experience. When designing CancerShare, Bryan Lenett focused on usability and ensuring that the site’s navigation was intuitive. By creating a design that’s reminiscent of today’s existing social media platforms, Bryan Lenett allowed users to quickly find support instead of having to learn how to navigate the site.

Part of what makes CancerShare unique is its inclusion of physicians and other health professionals. Even though cancer patients are receiving medical care, being able to connect with other healthcare professionals provides and educational opportunity for patients and families alike to learn more about cancer. While cancer battles the body, CancerShare keeps it from battling patient’s emotions as well.

For many users, the site that Bryan Lenett has created is almost like therapy. Because patients can both tell their stories and listen to stories of cancer patients and survivors, they’re able to find emotional strength and encouragement. For Bryan Lenett, its reminiscent of all the times he encouraged Rebecca Jimenez, and he’s proud her memory and spirit live on today.