15-40 Connection: Age-specific Information Outreach

Posted by Margot M on November 6th, 2017 Posted in: Funded Project
Tags: cancer detection, self-empowerment

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This post is part of a series on NNLM NER’s funded projects.

For several funding cycles, 15-40 Connection, an organization dedicated to improving cancer detection skills, has received support from NNLM NER. This unique organization targets people between the ages of 15-40, considered to be in their prime, asserting that “[s]ince 1975, improvements in cancer survival rates for 15 to 40 year-olds have continuously lagged behind all other age groups. Delayed diagnosis is a major culprit of this shocking statistic.”

In an effort to raise cancer detection rates, 15-40 Connection promotes self-empowerment in three steps. First, identify what your “great” is. When you are at your best, what are your eating, sleeping, and bathroom habits? What is your skin like? Is your weight steady? Your energy? Second, if you notice a change that lasts more that two weeks, consult your health care provider. Fatigue dragging you down too long? Injury not healing properly? 15-40 Connection wants to you to risk the embarrassment that your concerns are not warranted. Get checked out. Third, communicate openly with your health care provider. Here’s where 15-40 Connection is ready to lend a hand. This organization builds educational resources and outreach activities around self-empowerment.

MedlinePlus Supports Self-Empowerment

As an Education and Outreach Coordinator, I was curious to see how 15-40 Connection promotes the National Library of Medicine. I am impressed with how they weave MedlinePlus into their storytelling. In this blog post, featuring Holy Cross student Henry Carr, the bone cancer hyperlink goes directly to MedlinePlus. That is just one example. The website routinely links to MedlinePlus. And, 15-40 Connection swag includes the promotion of MedlinePlus.

An early detection advocate and cancer survivor, Henry Carr made a huge impact on the staff at 15-40 Connection. They dedicated the 2016 Crusaders Against Cancer 5K fundraiser to him. Sadly, Henry died in June after a recurrence of his cancer.

On October 28, I headed over to Holy Cross for this year’s Crusaders Against Cancer fundraiser. Once again, the run was dedicated to Henry. Many runners wore gray HC for HC t-shirts. Others wore Crusader purple. The day was crisp and clear. And the message of self-empowerment was clear as well.