cancer - ReadWriteWeb

Cancer Survivors Build Social Network For Social Good

Jon Mitchell — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:18:18 -0800

The social Web has a tendency to fold in on itself. Shortly after the launch of Google Plus, for example, users began to complain that it was only being used to talk about Google Plus. Drew Olanoff, currently the community manager for Get Satisfaction, would prefer that social networks revolved around their people instead of themselves. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009, Olanoff built his experience into a Web phenomenon that offered connections, support, and some hopeful levity to people affected by cancer. His work is now bolstered by the launch of a new social network called I Had Cancer, which has created an engaging, Web-centric support system for cancer fighters, survivors, and their friends and family.

]]> "Social" is an easy word to throw around these days. Olanoff wishes the Web didn't take it so lightly. He'd prefer we talk about social good or social reform, rather than social media. "I don't know what the phrase 'social media' means anymore," he says. "I don't think anybody does. I've always felt that what was missing [from that phrase] is the social part. The human aspect of it is severely lacking."

Back in 2009, Olanoff and his friend Mike Demers, who also recovered from Hodgkin's, created Blame Drew's Cancer!, a website that aggregated tweets marked with the hashtag #BlameDrewsCancer, which he used as a way of confronting his Hodgkin's lymphoma head on. The meme resonated across the social Web, resulting in a partnership with Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG campaign and creating new opportunities to support the struggle against cancer.

Yesterday's launch of I Had Cancer, a full-fledged social network, extends the idea, championed by Olanoff and countless others, that, on the social Web, the people are more important than the platform. Olanoff was not involved in the creation of the site, and he thinks that's "great, because I can use the service like I use any other service."

Mailet Lopez, the creator of I Had Cancer, survived Type 2B breast cancer. After recovering, she "wanted to help the next person who was affected," so she started a blog to chronicle and share her experience. The team at Squeaky Wheel Media picked up her story and approached her, and they built the idea into a social network. The site connects survivors, fighters, and supporters using geography, chronology, and type of cancer. It features a question-based discussion board, as well as a bulletin board called "Dear Cancer," which is reminiscent of Olanoff's "life-hack" of confronting his cancer personally.

Directly or indirectly, cancer affects just about everyone, as does the effort to stop it. Uniting us around a worthy cause is the way Olanoff wants to restore meaning to the word "social." He recommended that we share a link with you to Alex's Lemonade Stand, which is a foundation working to put an end to childhood cancer. You can learn more about Alex's Lemonade Stand and find a link to donate at AlexsLemonade.org.

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Apple CEO Steve Jobs Announces Medical Leave of Absence

Audrey Watters — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:14:16 -0800

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has just announced that he is taking a medical leave of absence. He will continue as CEO, but will pass day-to-day operations of the company to COO Tim Cook.

This is the email memo that Jobs sent to Apple employees today according to Business Wire.

]]> Team,
At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple's day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve

Jobs has not given a reason for the medical leave of absense. This is his second medical leave, following a battle with pancreatic cancer and a liver transplant in 2009.

Apple is slated to give its quarterly earnings report tomorrow, and perhaps more details will be forthcoming at that time.

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Video Game Helps Patients Stick to Meds

Lidija Davis — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:31:48 -0800

Two years ago, HopeLab released Re-Mission, a shoot 'em up game with a difference in an attempt to help cancer afflicted teenagers stick to their medication. This past August, clinical evidence was published in the medical journal Pediatrics showing the game is a success.

HopeLab, a nonprofit organization founded by Pam Omidyar, was named one of Fast Company magazine's 2009 Social Enterprises of the Year this month for its efforts in improving the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness.

]]> Prior to the release of Re-Mission, HopeLab completed a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the game. The research concluded that carefully designed video games can have a positive impact on the behavior of young people with chronic illness, and suggested that similar approaches could be directed toward a variety of chronic diseases. The data poster can be downloaded here (PDF).

Re-Mission players pilot a nanobot named Roxxi as she travels through the bodies of cancer patients destroying cancer cells, battling bacterial infections and managing the side effects of cancer.

Re-Mission is available to young people with cancer free of charge. The game can be ordered or downloaded here.

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