Voices of Cancer

On a routine basis we send #ShoutOuts on our Twitter feed (@AbolishCancer) that allow our 53,000 plus followers to send well wishes, thoughts, and prayers to those close to them battling cancer.   We’ve been doing this for several years and while it may not seem like much, it really does show the value of a community of supporters for those in the fight.

It dawned on us after one of our recent #ShoutOut sessions that cancer fighters, survivors, and those loved ones impacted by cancer really don’t have an organized voice in the fight versus cancer.

Think about it.  Factory workers, teachers, doctors, professional athletes and countless other professions have unions to support their needs.  Big pharmaceutical companies hire lobbyists to influence those on Capitol Hill.

But where’s the voice of the cancer fighter?

How does the average person who has been directly impacted by cancer have a voice on critical issues relating to the cancer fight?

A real voice.  A voice of say.  A voice of influence.

A voice of the people!

We think it’s time to join forces as one community.  A community of all those directly impacted by cancer…..fighters, survivors, and loved ones of those in the fight.  So we are launching…..

#VoicesOfCancer

A group designed to unite people from around the globe who have been directly impacted by this disease.  Membership would be defined by those who currently have cancer, are survivors of cancer, or have a loved one that has been impacted by the disease.  No organization, charity, or political group would be members…….this is meant to be a membership by the people.

What responsibilities would the #VoicesOfCancer group have?  Well, this would be a voting group.  When issues of major significance occur, members would be able to vote and results of those votes would be made public in an effort to provide influence towards those making decisions that directly impact those in the fight.  There would also be monthly meetings, all virtual, with topics on the agenda generated by our members.

Membership would be free and an individual’s level of involvement would be based on their own willingness and ability to participate.  Imagine you, the person who has been most impacted by cancer, having a voice for those currently in the battle and those who unknowingly will face some of the same struggles as you have in the future.  Sure there will be disagreements and differences of opinions on topics but collectively, as a whole, we can make decisions in a democratic way that reflect the voice of those directly involved.

In years past, this type of movement wouldn’t be possible, but with the access to technology and ability to connect through social media, we have the power to unite like never before.  We will be inclusive, we will be transparent, and we will be lead by the people most impacted…..YOU!

So what are our next steps?

Certainly this is a ‘power in numbers” movement.  It will also require some technology infrastructure to setup and time to organize.  It will also require some resources to create and get off the ground.  If you are able to assist in any of these areas, email Darah Bonham, Founder & CEO of @AbolishCancer at DBonham@AbolishCancer.com

In the meantime, spread the word and follow the @abolishcancer web site and twitter feed or our new twitter feed specific to this movement called @VoicesOfCancer.

If not now then when?  It’s time to be heard.

#Uniting a Global Community in the Fight to AbolishCancer!