Otter Public Relations’ Post

DC CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Hopecam The mission at Hopecam is simple: to overcome the social isolation experienced by children in treatment for cancer. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it is important to keep the child connected to school and friends. Research shows that children who felt more supported from their classmates during cancer treatment were “less depressed, less anxious, and had higher self-esteem” than children who did not feel supported by classmates (Suzuki and Kato, 2003). Hopecam, is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity with the mission of using voice over Internet technology to help children with cancer overcome the burden of social isolation. By virtually connecting these children with their friends over a video conferencing application, Hopecam decreases the loneliness and anxiety they experience during this frightening time. They provide the child with a tablet computer equipped with a webcam, Internet access in the home if the child is without, then work with the child's school to persuade them to establish a regular connection with the child during which the child can participate in classroom activities, and see and talk with their friends. Although the Hopecam Connection is often used by classroom, homebound and hospital teachers to provide instruction, they consider this an added benefit. Hopecam’s mission is to allow children to socialize, sharing the normal events and conversations of childhood from celebrating a birthday to checking out who has lost a tooth. Our goal is to bridge the social divide between children during this frightening time and ultimately ease the transition back to school. Other benefits of Hopecam include being used by the child’s medical team to check in remotely. For children who are being treated far from home, Hopecam provides a way to stay in touch with loved ones and support networks. GIVE NOW! www.hopecam.org #dccharity #dcnonprofit #givedc #donatedc #volunteerdc #hopecam #cancer #childhoodcancer #cancersupport #childhoodcancerawareness #socialisolation #techforgood #changetheworld #gamechangers

As we mark Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in April, it's vital to understand the signs and risks associated with this widespread health challenge. Diagnosis involves tests like ultrasounds and blood tests, with treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatment may impact fertility, but options like sperm banking exist. Early detection and understanding save lives. For more info, visit the National Cancer Institute. The Importance of Awareness: ▫️ Early Detection Saves Lives: Catching testicular cancer early significantly increases treatment success. Regular self-exams play a crucial role in detecting changes before they escalate. ▫️ Ending the Silence: Open discussions about testicular cancer help dismantle stigma, empowering men to prioritize their health without shame or apprehension. ▫️ Unity and Support: Cancer affects not just individuals but entire families. Heightened awareness fosters a supportive community for those battling testicular cancer and their loved ones. No one should face cancer alone. Get Involved. | https://lnkd.in/gn3XcJYU #testicularcancerawarenessmonth #testicularcancerawareness #testicularcancer #cancerjourney #cancersupport #cancercare #acsg #cancerfighter #blackcommunity #preventionisbetterthancure #raiseawareness #cancercaregivers #theoladelefoundation #africancancersupportgroup #strongerthancancer

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. We are each affected differently & people with NF2 are affected by Brain Tumours, Spine Tumours, Optical Tumours, Deafness, Blindness, Epilepsy, vocal chord paralysis, mobility problems, chronic pain, cataracts, facial palsy ... & much more! Today we meet Simon who was 18 years old when his NF2 journey started back in 2013. " It was one of my darkest times on a normal summers day in July 2013 and I had gone on a bike ride with my Auntie. I love cycling, the freedom of being outdoors in the fresh air. For some reason on this day I was having problems riding my bike, the track was narrow and I was finding it hard to keep the bike upright. I fell off it a couple of times. My mum was worried and took me to A & . A CT Scan was the start of my roller coaster ride" NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition, There is no middle or ending to any of our stories. Surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy—are the only options we have. Yet, they come at a cost. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, no magic elixir to erase its presence. Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/ezPZxY2P #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2 #nf2charity #nf2cure #nf2treatment #nf2gene #nf2chromosome22 #nf2trials #nf2diagnosis #nf2lifeexpectancy #nf2prognosis #nf2research #nf2ismyteam #nf2awarenessday #nf2journey #StrongerTogetherAgainstNF2

I wanted to take a moment to share a quick update with everyone who’s supported us in this way during such an ambiguous time. Jayce is doing really well, he’s been back at school for 1 month and continuing with his therapy services to support long term recovery. He’s undergone 3 transfusions so far in the past 2 months and is in great spirits! Having to leave behind my work to care for him has been an ongoing challenge that we’re navigating and will continue to work through. I’ve now been able to return to the market and search for my next venture and am eager and excited to join a new company soon. All your prayers, well wishes and donations are much appreciated! Although we do have a long road ahead of us working towards stem cell transplant and potential brain surgery we are confident that all will work out positively with Jayce’s care. We are in great hands pursuing 2 further consults over the summer with the best hospitals in the country to manage his neurological care and have amazing local providers we are beginning work with as we prepare for transplant care over the next few years while maintaining his hematology care as we work towards a cure. Thank you again for all of your support as we navigate the path ahead and pursue the best possible care for our son. I’ve never in my life experienced such great generosity it’s truly left me speechless. Thank you for the difference you’ve made for our family over the past two months. I think often about how I’ll explain this pause in my work to future employers when in reality nothing has paused at all. I’ve had to shift immediately into a completely different version of management with my sons care that I’ve no job has been able to offer me yet in my career. It’s required a completely different level of resilience, flexibility, patience, research, meeting arrangement, travel, conversation shifting, and so much more. I’ve started to grow more comfortable with the ideas of sharing our family’s situation and begun seeing my skills that have certainly developed in a non-traditional way in a whole new light. Now has come the time to perfect the delivery of my message here with what’s gone on over the past few months. If anyone is working in the healthcare technology industry or patient advocacy world and has a connection to open positions in Operations Management, Member support, Client success, Enrollment, Advocacy, or Strategy development roles I’d love to connect and discuss. Wishing you all a beautiful weekend. God bless! https://gofund.me/3eeea91e

This week is Mental Health Week, and the theme is movement. Studies show that movement has a positive impact on anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Hormone changes resulting from physical activity can help us sleep better and improve our mood balance. At Flomatik, we're committed to being even more carbon negative. That's why we're launching a walking challenge for everyone in our company this June. The aim is to set our own targets and increase our movement, whether that means parking further away from the shops or taking a walk at lunch. It's not about doing marathons or reaching a certain target, but about doing what we can to become more active. We're excited to support Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust through this challenge. How far can we walk? How much carbon can we offset? And how much can we raise for this great cause? Join us in taking steps towards better mental and physical health while supporting an important charity. #mentalhealthweek #movement #walkingchallenge #carbonnegative #charity

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, Real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. We are each affected differently & people with NF2 are affected by Brain Tumours, Spine Tumours, Optical Tumours, Deafness, Blindness, Epilepsy, vocal chord paralysis, mobility problems, chronic pain, cataracts, facial palsy ... & much more! Today we meet Liene who was diagnosed with NF2 at 19 years old and her tumours were big at that time leading to increased pressure in her brain. "I was advised to get Avastin treatments. I was happy to get that help, because first when I was introduced to Avastin, they were a little bit reluctant because of the side effects on a young person like me. But this would mean that I’d get some more years without surgeries ... I moved to Norway, and was asked if I have plans of starting a family some day, and that was the first time they warned me about getting pregnant while on Avastin because it can cause severe damage to the baby" NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition, that weaves itself into the fabric of existence, unyielding and unrelenting. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, no magic wand to erase its presence. Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/euWUGuTS #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2 #nf2charity #nf2cure #nf2treatment #nf2gene #nf2chromosome22 #nf2trials #nf2diagnosis #nf2lifeexpectancy #nf2prognosis #nf2research #nf2ismyteam #nf2awarenessday #nf2journey #StrongerTogetherAgainstNF2

In 2015, I went through the worst year of my life. My beloved mom, Sandy Freiberg, got diagnosed and lost her battle with lung cancer within 10 months. It has devastated me and resulted in prolonged grief disorder. Not a day passes that I don’t miss her and wish she was here. Life has been turned upside down and what some people believe is one thing for me, anger, irritability, laziness, etc., is actually a reaction to the trauma I continue to suffer from losing my mom. I speak openly about this in person, but not usually on a social platform. Because I am working toward a masters degree in psychology, and am connected with other professionals, I feel safe sharing on this platform. This Saturday, as we have for the past nine years, we are walking/running in her memory, so that we can support other sufferers, survivors, their families, and raise money towards a cure. If you have ever lost someone to cancer, you know my pain. This year, I also walk in memory of my amazing friend, Jenny B, who lost her battle with colon cancer last July after a valiant and brave 13 year battle against another ugly cancer. In their honor and memories, I ask that you consider giving a little change for change to support my fundraising efforts for Team Sandy’s Survivors. Just click the link to join me in my walk or make a small contribution and little by little help me heal in the process: https://lnkd.in/eNSRFrse #fuckcancer #lungcancerawareness #coloncancerawareness #lungeforward5k #fundraiser #prolongedgriefdisorder #mentalhealthmatters #survivorship #changeforchange #supportmycause

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, it’s heartwarming to see the efforts to raise awareness and support research for this condition. Real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. We are each affected differently & people with NF2 are affected by Brain Tumours, Spine Tumours, Optical Tumours, Deafness, Blindness, Epilepsy, vocal chord paralysis, mobility problems, chronic pain, cataracts, facial palsy ... & much more! Today we meet Ashlynn, her NF2 journey started aged 11. but she is determined to raise more awareness of the condition. "Even the challenges I face with NF2, I will never let it stop me doing what I love with my horses and dogs and raising awareness through writing my music" NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition, that weaves itself into the fabric of existence, unyielding and unrelenting. There is no middle or ending to any of our stories. Surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy—are the only options we have. Yet, they come at a cost. Their impact reverberates through the delicate pathways of nerves, often leaving behind scars of lost function. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, no magic wand to erase its presence. Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/euWUGuTS #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2 #nf2charity #nf2cure #nf2treatment #nf2gene #nf2chromosome22 #nf2trials #nf2diagnosis #nf2lifeexpectancy #nf2prognosis #nf2research #nf2ismyteam #nf2awarenessday #nf2journey #StrongerTogetherAgainstNF2

Adolescence is already a challenging time for teenagers, but a cancer diagnosis can make the transition to adulthood even more overwhelming. Coping with a life-threatening illness at such a young age can be a difficult and long journey. The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation recognizes the importance of providing comfort and distraction to not only children, but to teenage patients diagnosed with cancer as well. Through your generosity, teenage patients are rewarded for their bravery while enduring the hardships of cancer. #treasurechest #pediatriccancer #toysforkids #cancersupport #community #cancercare #cancerawareness #nonprofit #CANCERSUCKS #pediatriccancerawareness #nonprofitorganization #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerawareness #teencancer

I'm fighting for a cure by raising funds to fight MS. Please click the link below to help me get to my fundraising goal. Here is my story: I woke up one morning in January 2020 and I couldn't see out of my peripheral vision. As the next couple days went on it got worse. I was sent in for MRI and many blood tests. On February 25th I remember being one of the most emotional days as I walked into my opt neurologists office. I no longer could move my eyes from side to side. I didn't have any depth perception. My legs were constantly twitching. The doctor told me to follow his finger and I couldn't. He immediately called to have me started on three days of steroids and referred to an MS specialist. On March 16 2020 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the same time a pandemic was going on and I now became part of the group of having "serious complications" from COVID. The medications I was on to try and get my immune system to stop attacking my brain and spinal cord were causing me to be in this group. The next year was the hardest year of my life. Not only was I told I has MS and was in the serious risk category for COVID I was having continuous attacks and my MS wouldn't settle down. When I was first diagnosed I had one lesion in my brain and one in my brain stem. Seven months later I had 12 lesions. These were all spread from my brain to brainstem to Cervical spine to Thoracic Spine. My physical symptoms are: Fatigue Spasticity Processing Memory Speed issues Sound Sensory Issues Nerve pain on my right and left side of my face that feels like pins and needles Nerves misfiring that shoot electrical shocks across my tongue. The feeling that someone is shocking in my back that runs all the way down to my toes consistently on both legs. Loss of control to my bladder and bowels Those are only the physical symptoms. Let's talk about the other losses Inability to have children This is due to not being able to care for a child due to fatigue and above issues This is also due to the medications I am on are not safe for childbirth Uncertainty about your future Constant worry about when the MS will strike again. I knew all too well what life was like having a parent with MS. My father was diagnosed at the age of 32 as well. I didn't have a dad that could run the bases with us playing baseball or shoot hoops with us at basketball. It took a part of me before it was even in me. I raise funds for MS to one day have a cure. With a cure they are talking about myelin regrowth which could give me back all the damage that has been done. I also raise funds to keep treatments coming that can keep our MS at bay. Please help me fight that battle by giving a small donation to the cause.