
There's nothing funny about cancer, but what if comedy could help get out an important message for multiple myeloma patients? That was the spark of an idea behind comedian Dave Vance's brilliant new video on HealthTree featured on his Spellchek channel.
His question is valid. Why haven't we cured cancer yet? And why isn't technology being applied towards faster cures? Multiple myeloma is a prime example. With robust treatment options in the myeloma arsenal, we still don't know which patients do best on which therapies. This isn't a science problem, it's a data sharing problem. And HealthTree is an obvious solution. Invite patients to share their data, identify patterns of care and improve care for everyone. And maybe find a cure in the process. The video now has over 2 million views on Facebook.
Watch the video and share with those you know and love to spread the word about the new tool. To get started with HealthTree, click here.
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Here's what people have to say after watching the video.
Emily Marcel Wow...Brilliant
Keith Knott - Why not! As he mentioned part of the problem is people just dont have to right information in front of them and it is not disseminated well to them. Why do the same thing 50 people have done when you can jump to step 3 with a better outcome?
Glenda Bryan - Listen to this think about it let me know what you think! It makes sense! Like Alzheimer's and cancer and diabetes. Pool the info what works what doesn't!
John Thompson - Really worth a watch Angela Johnson - Wow
Brett Johnson - 8 years ago my grandmother and I went to her doctor and received the news that her Multiple Myeloma had relapsed. She fought hard for 3 years at that point, and passed 3 months later. Cancer has wreaked havoc in the lives of many family members and friends... Im glad to see Health Tree bring hope to curing this terrible disease by creating an innovative way to use technology we use for shopping and watching TV to share data on treatments. Lets find the cure.
Melissa Dawn Johnson - The future in cancer treatment! Please watch this video.
Kimberly Hall Alexander - Im friends with Cheryl and the people behind Health Tree. Im a fan of it. Anything that can advance the conversation and help patients can lead to a cure. With so many unknowns still surrounding myeloma, comparing notes could be huge in terms of treatment options, especially in the African American community.
Reva Lewis - Yall, this is gold! Autie I wonder if this is helpful for acute myleoid. It includes May things that could be helpful. God bless these people. We must pray for this organization.
Bonnie Johnson - I recommend everyone to watch this from start to finish it's not just for helping ppl with multiple myeloma but everyone eventually my prayers and hopes to all that suffer from this disease and that this is the answer for u and all cancer patients
Toni Ellington-Pakay - A data base of anonymous symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. This would be a great reference tool if it was utilized by everyone, not just Physicians. I diagnosed myself with info on the Internet and asked my Dr. to run certain tests. Dr.s are very busy, but patients would definitely find the time.
Jennifer Rogers Kinion - This is a brilliant idea and much much needed! This is exactly what I have been frustrated about in my fathers journey through MM. We had 5 extra years with him because of our own research about treatments. It was exhausting and time consuming to gather all that info together. Plus we knew nothing about MM and we were on the the clock to enter him into treatment of some kind. You start researching and you find out just how complexed MM is as a disease. I also wondered why we were being asked questions about where he lived, worked and such? I would think this info would be valuable to track and study due to the thought that environmental factors may be at play. My Dad got 5 extra years with back to back stem cell transplants and continued maintenance. My sister is in MGUS stage and waiting. My uncle (on my Moms side) I consider one of the 10% cured. He is now 16 + years MM free with no maintenance treatments. He and my Dad were treated at the same places UAMS and Dr. Usmani in Charlotte.
Dani Eddinger - I see this work on all types of illnesses
Cheryl Greer Pridgen - This is an amazing and innovative idea. Hopefully this is the future of medicine
Peggy Hofferber Dixon - This makes so much sense! Wonderful.
Michelle Ralston - GREAT IDEA!!! WHY did it take so long to figure out?
Kelley Deanne McKay Fuemmeler - This is a really interesting concept! I like that it empowers patients.
Jill Bunker Pilkington - Bethany Clayton Bunker show this to David! Very interesting!

about the author
Jennifer Ahlstrom
Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can help accelerate a cure by weighing in and participating in clinical research. Founder of HealthTree Foundation (formerly Myeloma Crowd).
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