CaringBridge Starts the Big Be There Campaign to Spread Awareness of the Free Service

Eagan, Minn. (Sep. 30, 2009) —

CaringBridge, a Minnesota-based nonprofit providing free websites that connect loved ones during serious health events, care and recovery, today begins The Big Be There campaign, an online project that celebrates family and friends. The Big Be There invites participants to make a promise to be there for someone they care about.

Since 1997, more than one billion visits have been made to personal CaringBridge websites, connecting patients and caregivers to supportive family and friends. Still, countless other families need CaringBridge to help share love and support during a challenging, life changing event such as cancer, premature birth or a serious accident.

"When you participate in a loved one's CaringBridge community, you're showing that you will be there during difficult times," said Sona Mehring, founder and executive director of CaringBridge. "But we care for one another throughout the ups and downs of life. That's why we started The Big Be There, so people can demonstrate that they'll be there during those difficult times, even before they happen."

During the The Big Be There, CaringBridge is asking its supporters to:

• Tell loved ones you will be there for them, should they encounter a serious health event.
• Tell someone who needs to know now, that CaringBridge is there for them to help support hope, healing and connection
• Tell others in your life that CaringBridge will be there for them, whenever it might be needed.

For more information or to join The Big Be There, visit www.BigBeThere.com.

About CaringBridge

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CaringBridge is a nonprofit offering many ways for people to care for each other during any type of health event. Its mission is to amplify the love, hope and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier. For more information, visit www.CaringBridge.org.