Video by Three Pillars Media of Lincoln. Post-production by Evolve of Des Moines.
Yael Cohen was floored three years ago when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, but it didn’t take Cohen long to stand up and start fighting.
“I’m not a researcher, so I can’t contribute scientifically to the race for the cure,” Cohen said on May 10 during her talk at Big Omaha 2012. “And I’m really f—ing impatient. I wanted to do something where I could see my impact and I could use the skills I had.”
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So Cohen started what today has grown into F— Cancer, a movement that activates Generation Y to engage with their parents about early detection of cancer. It’s a movement unique in its emphasis on early detection, its young target audience and its edgy approach to combatting cancer.
“We teach our parents more than any generation ever has,” Cohen said. “Mostly, it’s how to use their phones or TVs. But why aren’t we teaching them something that can actually save their lives?”
Check out the video above, the fifth in the Big Omaha 2012 Video Series presented by Microsoft BizSpark, to hear Cohen discuss the personal story behind F— Cancer and the movement’s unique take on fighting a deadly foe.
Read our recap: “Yael Cohen: ‘We are the generation that can change the world‘ “
About Yael Cohen
Cohen is the founder and president of F Cancer, a movement determined to make a real impact within the cancer space. Yael created an organization that activates Generation Y to engage with their parents about early detection, and teaches supporters how to look for cancer instead of just find it. Over the last 2 years, Yael has grown F Cancer into an inspirational and influential player in the charity space. She has attracted a host of A-list celebrities that are lined up to participate in the movement and use their influence to help garner support from the public. F Cancer’s message has also begun to get the attention of some very noteworthy groups; Yael was honoured to be invited the White House and UN to talk about the charity’s unconventional methods and success.
Find Cohen on Twitter: @MsFuckCancer
About Big Omaha & Thinc Iowa, SPN Premier Events
Silicon Prairie News hosts two premier annual events, Big Omaha in May and Thinc Iowa in October. Both events bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, creative individuals, investors and others for a lineup of inspiring speakers, a schedule of unique networking opportunities and a community of support.
To sign-up for alerts regarding Thinc Iowa, which will take place Oct. 10-11 in Des Moines, visit thinciowa.com.
Credits: Photo of Cohen by Malone & Company/Big Omaha. Headshot of Cohen courtesy of Cohen.
About our sponsor, Microsoft BizSpark
Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that helps software startups succeed by giving them access to Microsoft software development tools, connecting them with key industry players, including investors, and providing marketing visibility to help entrepreneurs starting a business. BizSpark will fast-track the success of your startup with software, support an visibility.
