News Release: SURVIVEiT® Launches Indiegogo Campaign To Help Patients Navigate Cancer Journey
4600 People Each Day are Diagnosed with Cancer and Seek Information Online to Assist Them on Their Cancer Journey
(New York, NY, July 21, 2020) – SURVIVEiT has launched an Indiegogo campaign to support their five-step personal cancer guide developed by survivors for patients. The novel tool, named The Cancer COPiLOT, reimagines informed decision-making for patients, but also delivers on a philosophy that each individual can and should be empowered to define and navigate their cancer journey. It is the first comprehensive guide to peace of mind starting from the moment of diagnosis.
“When we started developing The Cancer COPiLOT we never imagined what the state of healthcare would be and the immense need of cancer patients that has emerged as a result of the pandemic,” commented Joy Brewster Rusthoven, Executive Director, SURVIVEiT. “The COPiLOT has an even greater significance than we ever imagined as we hear from patients who are challenged with charting their course.”
Now on Indiegogo, the tool outlines the five steps to navigate the cancer journey: TESTiT, VERIFYiT, MATCHiT, SUPPORTiT, LIVEiT.
5 Steps to Peace of Mind in The Cancer COPiLOT:
- TESTiT – getting a thorough diagnosis via comprehensive molecular profiling
- VERIFYiT – gaining qualified second opinions and review of molecular profiling
- MATCHiT – defining your personal goals for treatment and quality of life
- SUPPORTiT – managing side effects and complementary therapies through treatment
- LIVEiT – survivor-vetted resource library for many aspects of managing the disease
More than 16 million people in the US currently have cancer. Another 1.7 million people will be diagnosed this year. Four in five adults use the internet to search health information, but many are not finding what they are looking for. This campaign supports the SURVIVEiT mission to empower all people facing a cancer diagnosis to define their journey and face cancer on their own terms. This tool equips patients and caregivers like never before.
“A cancer diagnosis can be stunning and paralyzing. I met the SURVIVEiT founder, Matt Ellefson, as my father went through his cancer journey and I experienced it firsthand with him,” commented Brewster Rusthoven. “Up to this point, there has been limited innovation in patient advocacy. Most resources stop at education and awareness. SURVIVEiT is a network of survivors who understand the value of informed decision-making and taking action when we can. We are survivors helping patients.”
The tool will increase patient access to a thorough diagnosis, world-class experts, shared decision-making, clinical trials, supportive care, and survivor vetted resources.
With the world facing an unprecedented time with a pandemic, it is that much more important to deliver a tool to assist cancer patients on their journey. According to experts, the healthcare system has significantly slowed down as resources are being diverted to the pandemic. SURVIVEiT will help patients get critical information and stay in control of their health during this time.
“The SURVIVEiT COPiLOT is the perfect combination of what you need to know and how to plan, so each patient is prepared to navigate the twists and turns during their personal cancer journey,” commented Jeff Lombardo, PharmD and BCOP, Research Assistant Professor, University of Buffalo Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences. “Based on the experience of patients who have been there, the SURVIVEiT approach to cancer focuses on the marathon rather than the immediate sprint in front of each and every patient.
Cancer has enough unknowns. It’s time to navigate the information we have and control what we can.”
The Indiegogo campaign will support the development of the tool which is set for a soft launch targeting lung cancer patients in October 2020. The lung cancer pathway will allow cancer patients and caregivers to navigate their diagnosis with personalized guidance and resources. The full platform, slated to launch in time for World Cancer Day in February, will offer personalized resources for both patients and caregivers.
Join the campaign to change the course of cancer for millions.
https://igg.me/at/surviveit-cancer-copilot
Update: This Indiegogo Campaign has ended. To donate to SURVIVEiT, please visit https://onecancerplace.org/donate
About SURVIVEiT: SURVIVEiT is a registered 501(c)(3) national cancer patient advocate. Our vision is a world free from the fear of cancer. Our mission is to empower you to define your journey and face cancer on your own terms.