'Journey' social network helps people with mental, physical challenges connect

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are all great ways to share your life with friends and family, but sometimes you might need some moral support from people who really understand what you're going through. That's where "Journey" comes in.

Kari Solis suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, but that's at the top of a long list of conditions that stemmed from her pregnancy years ago.

"I have chronic migraines with auras, antiphospholipid syndrome, C. Diff," Solis described. "One thing that triggers into the next into the next."

Recently she got a new prescription - a dose of technology with a new app called Journey. It's a social network for those with physical, mental or other challenges.

Sure, there's Facebook and Twitter, but often times, Solis said posting about her ailments there is not welcomed.

"People don't understand," she said.

The app has over 300 categories of physical and mental challenges. Users can post their thoughts, pictures and ask questions to others around the world.

"A lot of people have been asking or wanting something like this," said Loren Hall, who co-founded Journey along with Taylor Martinez.

They say they also wanted to create a place where people could simply learn and encourage others.

"Kind of makes it unique. It's not just for people that have physical or mental or other challenges. You could also come on and become a supporter maybe for a friend that's going through something," Martinez said.

Solis is glad to be a part of the Journey community, which is giving her hope every day.

"I have people that can relate to me. I know I'm not alone," she said.

If you want to learn more about Journey as well as what inspired Hall and Martinez to create it, visit www.postyourjourney.com.