CaringBridge websites mark 2 billionth visit

CaringBridge, a website that connects medical patients with family and friends, hit a remarkable milestone this year — its 2 billionth visit.

It took nearly 15 years for the first billion visits to its online pages, where people post health updates about themselves or loved ones and patients' friends send well-wishes.

The 2 billion mark was reached in only another five years, said CaringBridge founder Sona Mehring.

"And it continues to accelerate," said Mehring. "To me, it's a measure of tremendous impact. That's 2 billion acts of love, hope and affection."

CaringBridge is an Eagan-based nonprofit that provides a social media space for individuals facing medical problems to give and receive messages from family and friends.

The service, launched by Mehring in 1997, is free for anyone on a health journey. It is also free of advertising and "content manipulation," said Mehring, who calls it a "protected sphere."

Mehring attributes the explosion in users to social media, in particular the omnipresent mobile phones. Information posted on CaringBridge, which initially was accessed only through computers, has a near immediate impact — and response time — thanks to those mobile devices in purses and pockets.

But mobile devices, initially at least, put a dent in fundraising because users were less likely to donate through their phones, she said. About 90 percent of the nonprofit's budget comes from individual donors.

That is now changing, said Mehring. This year's $7.6 million budget is a 7 percent increase over last year.

CaringBridge boasts users in 185 countries and all 50 states. Over the years, a half-million people have set up pages for loved ones suffering from cancer, terminal illness and less-severe health troubles. Family and friends can check in, read updates, and post photos and notes of encouragement.

After 19 years of overseeing CaringBridge, Mehring stepped down from day-to-day operations on Feb. 1. She was succeeded by Liwanag Ojala, who joined CaringBridge as chief operating officer in 2014.

Mehring is now its "chief ambassador," networking with medical providers and institutions across the country, arguing that CaringBridge needs to be in the social support plans for patients.