05 Oct 2015 AETN to be discussing cancer
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) addresses cancer’s impact in the state, as well as current research, the importance of screenings and resources for patients and caregivers, in the next episode of “Arkansans Ask” airing at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19.
Donna Terrell moderates this discussion of cancer in Arkansas with a panel of experts. Viewers may submit questions and comments at 800.662.2386, [email protected] or on Twitter with #ARAsk.
‘THE C WORD’
Immediately following the live program, AETN will air “The C Word,” a drama based on a true story that illustrates the struggle against cancer.
“The C Word” tells the story of Lisa Lynch, who was 28 when she was first diagnosed with an aggressive, malignant tumor in her breast. The diagnosis is unexpected. Recently married and dreamily planning her future, she never imagined that the disease would come to dominate her life. Her only release is to write through her pain and come out the other side. What starts as a blog seen by few steadily becomes an inspiration to many – from fellow sufferers to those caring for them. And, through it, Lynch comes to realize that her life is not defined by cancer, but by the love she inspires in others. The film is based on Lynch’s defiant words, which in turn became the best-selling novel “The C Word.”
In conjunction with the special, AETN encourages viewers to submit their own cancer stories to cancerfilms.org, an expansive website with social and interactive media components created in conjunction with the Ken Burns’s documentary “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies.” The project website features an innovative short film series executive produced by Burns and created by Redglass Pictures, featuring individual cancer patients and caregivers. The interactive website is intended for the vast cancer community of patients and survivors, family members, caregivers, scientists, clinicians and other healthcare providers, as well as the public at large. “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies” is currently available to watch online at cancerfilms.org.
SCIENCE AWARD PROGRAM
Additionally, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and PBS LearningMedia, a media-on-demand service designed for K-12 classrooms, have announced The Emperor Science Award program. This program is an initiative designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in science, specifically cancer research and care, through a unique mentoring opportunity. The program aims to empower high school students to become the next generation of cancer and health researchers and will award 100 students each year, for at least three years, with an opportunity to work alongside an esteemed scientist on a rewarding multi-week cancer research project.
Entry is open to students in the 10th and 11th grades living in the U.S. and the District of Columbia who have a strong scientific interest, especially in cancer research and care. Special emphasis will be focused on students from economically disadvantaged high schools.
Entries will be accepted through Sunday, Nov. 1. Students will also be awarded a Google Chrome Notebook to enhance their studies and to extend the reach of mentors to students living in rural and suburban communities, a $1,500 stipend for expenses, and the opportunity to continue the mentoring program, through high school, to further their academic pursuits. Students, including those who receive Emperor Science Awards, will be eligible to reapply in subsequent years.
Students, teachers, guidance counselors and parents can visit The Emperor Science Award website (EmperorScienceAward.com) to learn more about the program and to apply. The webpage contains an overview of the program and associated resources for students. To enter, students will be asked to submit a 750 maximum word essay, and essays will be judged on sincerity, creativity, clarity and persuasiveness.
Winning students will be connected with science mentors from a host of high-profile medical research centers, including more than 100 SU2C-affiliated institutions, universities and industry leaders in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Emperor Science Award Program has been made possible by support from Founding Donors Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Novartis. Their support will fund a total of 300 awards through the first three years.
