CaringBridge helps families stand together in face of crisis

I hope you never have to use the Web site I'm featuring today, but chances are, you will. So clip this for the right time, or add the site to your bookmarks.

Spreading the word about a family member or friend who is hospitalized or in a care center can be challenging, but the task is easier now, thanks to CaringBridge (www.caringbridge.org).

Families using the free service are able to quickly build a custom Web site about their loved one and share it with anyone they invite. The site can include photos and information about the patient, a journal that includes updates on their condition and a guestbook to be signed by site visitors.

The site was founded in 1997 by Sona Mehring of Eagan, Minn., when a close friend had a premature baby. "My friends asked me to contact friends and family to let them know what was happening," Mehring said. "I soon realized what a large task that was. With my background in technology, I decided that instead of making phone calls to friends and family around the world, I would create a Web site where everyone could log on and find the information.

"The first CaringBridge site was born the same day their baby, Brighid, was born. The CaringBridge Web site instantly eased the burden of making all those phone calls and retelling the story. It provided an unbelievable connecting point for everyone concerned. The tremendous love and support shared among Brighid's family and friends was extremely powerful. Sadly, after a nine-day struggle against tremendous odds, baby Brighid died in surgery," Mehring said.

The CaringBridge site allowed the family to convey this sad news without the burden of many emotional phone calls. The parents also had a place to post a final message to honor their child and their supportive community. Mehring said Brighid's death prompted an outpouring of loving messages to the family.

"Everyone immediately understood that other families dealing with the birth of a premature baby, childhood cancer or other critical illness would benefit from the same Web resources," Mehring said.

Nearly 90 percent of the funding for the site comes from individuals and families who have been part of a CaringBridge experience. The remaining funds come from partnerships with health care facilities, systems and foundations.

Mehring said, "Everyone knows someone who could benefit from a free, personal, private CaringBridge Web site -- a best friend fighting cancer, a neighbor with a premature baby, a colleague who has been in a serious car accident, and the list goes on and on. Telling someone about CaringBridge today just might be the best gift you could give. Don't let anyone say "I wish I would have known about CaringBridge."

Share your Internet story with me at agibes@reviewjournal.com.