Website connects cancer fighters and survivors

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A unique new website is helping cancer survivors, fighters and supporters get connected. It's called I Had Cancer , and the site has grown exponentially since its inception.

FOX10 News spoke with the website’s founder Mailet Lopez via skype. She is only in her early 30s and already a cancer survivor.

“It really allows you to find someone that closely matches your situation as possible. I found that really was something I was looking for when I was diagnosed back in 2008, you know? Great family support, great doctors, but I didn't have someone that was my age that had been through the same thing,” said Lopez.

The website is kind of like Facebook. You can connect with other users by location, age, type of cancer, etc.

Dr. Jay Mulkerne, who is a licensed professional counselor, said he often deals with cancer patients. He said this type of modern-day support group can be very therapeutic.

“With social network sites on the internet, people who don't have that availability in their local community can go to an online support system which can be very very helpful,” said Dr. Mulkerne.

”No matter how small or insignificant you think your story is, it can really make a difference to someone,” said Mailet.

The website, however, is not just for cancer survivors and fighters. Supporters of cancer patients are also welcomed to share their experiences and advice.

“One thing people don't realize is supporters themselves need support. So this is an opportunity for them to get support from other people who have supported their loved ones through this as well,” said Mailet.

Click here to visit the website.