Cancer support initiative in competition for one of 20 $5,000 grants
DURHAM, N.C., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Voting is open for Story of Cancer, a non-profit online support network on a mission to help cure cancer in our lifetime and a candidate for one of 20 Refresh Everything Project grants from Pepsi (http://www.refresheverything.com/storyofcancer). Story of Cancer's goal is to support the 11 million cancer survivors, families, and friends affected by lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and more by sharing stories of hope and survival and leveraging community resources in the fight for a cure.
"Every one of the 11 million people living with cancer is on a unique journey that started with a story. Sharing cancer testimonies and stories from patients, family and friends creates cancer warriors," said Story of Cancer founder Martin Smith, who himself is living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). "Cancer is hard enough. No one should ever feel alone."
The idea for Story of Cancer emerged following a two-month, trans-American bicycle ride Smith organized last summer to raise money for cancer research at the Duke Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.duke.edu/notes/archive.php). While undergoing chemotherapy after the trip, he reflected on the stories he had heard on the road: "We spoke to thousands of people at stops and during 'Free Lunch for Cancer' restaurant visits. Everyone had a cancer story."
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths in 2008. The American Cancer Society projects that the number of people living with cancer in America will increase to 20 million by 2030. Story of Cancer will be a fierce advocate for cancer research, strive to help increase global cancer awareness, and promote early detection, which is key to survival.
To help reach the goal of bringing Story of Cancer to a wider audience, the public may vote daily through June 30 at http://www.refresheverything.com/storyofcancer and even use the codes under yellow Pepsi bottle caps to multiply votes by up to 100 times.
Smith concludes, "Cancer is the great equalizer. It doesn't care about gender, race, money or achievements, and everyone has had some contact with it - whether directly or via family or friends. We have an awesome opportunity to move forward together to cure cancer in our lifetime."
About Story of Cancer
Story of Cancer helps cancer patients, friends and family share their cancer journeys to knit a robust fabric of support by using technology, grants, community involvement and intellectual capital. Story of Cancer was founded in 2011 by Martin Smith, a cancer survivor and the force behind Martin's Ride to Cure Cancer (http://www.martinsride.com), which raised $26,000 for cancer research at the Duke Cancer Institute, where Smith has been treated for leukemia and which will also be a Story of Cancer partner. Once funded, Story of Cancer will be accessible at http://www.StoryofCancer.org. Smith is also launching the Cure Cancer Store at http://www.CureCancerStore.org in August. All profits will go to cancer research.
To follow Martin Smith and Story of Cancer via social media, go to:
YouTube: http://youtu.be/W8hcZsRcndA
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/martysmith1980vc
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_196613427037573&ap=1
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/storyofcancer
Media Contact:
Martin Smith, Founder
Story of Cancer
1-919-360-1224
[email protected]
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SOURCE Story of Cancer