Each year, over 1.5 million men and women are diagnosed with cancer, with one-third of the cases being terminal. As physically debilitating as this sickness is, a more subtle impact of cancer is the emotional toll it takes on patients and their loved ones. After losing a lifelong friend to cancer in 2011, Bryan Lenett committed his skills as a web and app developer to fight back against cancer and provide an avenue for patients to connect and share their stories.

Just as social media sites connect friends and acquaintances, Bryan Lenett designed CancerShare specifically for cancer patients to connect with others and realize that they are not alone. In the midst of all the treatments and medical care, patients are emotionally battered by cancer. Whether they realize it or not, many cancer patients become lonely and isolated, emotionally cutting themselves off from the world when they need support the most. Bryan Lenett hopes that CancerShare will provide patients and avenue to grow and stay strong.

When his friend was battling cancer, Bryan Lenett would consistently tell Rebecca Jimenez that she would survive and that her story would inspire others. Though she passed away in 2011, her spirit and legacy are inspiring others as Bryan Lenett promised. Founded in her memory, CancerShare is not only connecting cancer patients, but is providing a platform for physicians, medical providers, and loved ones to unite in the fight against cancer.

Though it’s only in beta mode, CancerShare has already garnered the attention of the international cancer community. Because the social media platform is specific for cancer patients, users don’t have to worry about privacy and are relieved to find similar connectivity and support on the site. Engaged medical providers on the site are also making it a unique platform for patients to interact and learn more about their sickness.

As people continue joining the site, Bryan Lenett is using their experience to keep refining the beta version for an official launch. Bryan Lenett hopes to create a user experience that is intuitive and simple so that patients can focus on the benefits of connecting with others fighting against cancer.