Allegheny Health Network launches social media drive to build hope for those affected by cancer

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is focusing a new social media effort on building a community of hope for those affected by cancer.

Using the hashtag Tell Cancer (#TellCancer), the Network is providing a platform for people to send a personal message to cancer. The messages will be gathered and shared via Allegheny Health’s social media network and website, and they will also be used in a public art installation set to be unveiled later this year.

“Cancer is a frightening diagnosis, but there are a lot of reasons for patients and their families to feel hopeful,” said David S. Parda, M.D. System Chair, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute.

“Groundbreaking discoveries and innovations on almost every front in the fight against cancer are helping more patients survive the disease and resume healthy lives than ever before. We want people to know that, and we want to change the conversation from one of fear to one of hope,” Dr. Parda said.

The #TellCancer campaign is designed to give people in the community an opportunity to send a message of hope and support that will be shared with others who are facing the same or similar situations. Messages are already being shared at ahn.org/tellcancer.

Those who wish to share a message to cancer can do so in a variety of ways;

     .     On the web at ahn.org/tellcancer

     .     By sharing a message on social media using the hashtag #TellCancer

     ·     By mail to PO Box 6343, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

     ·     In suggestion boxes at treatment centers throughout the network

     ·     Or in person; AHN will be videotaping messages to cancer at a series of events over the next few weeks including:

Event: October 5, 2014

                     - Lending Hearts, Kites Take Flight for Childhood Cancer at Highmark Stadium
                   
                     - 510 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
 
                     - 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

                     - Cost of admission: Freeo  

Event: October 18, 2014
                   
                      - Free Cancer Screening at Jefferson Hospital

                      - Jefferson Cancer Institute, 565 Coal Valley Road, Clairton, PA 15025 – 4th Floor, South Hills Medical Building

                       - 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

                       - Cost of admission: Free

                       - To register for this event, call, 412-469-7100

Earlier this year, Allegheny Health announced a five-year collaboration with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins for research, medical education and clinical services.  

The collaboration with Hopkins only further expands and strengthens the scope and sophistication of the impressive cancer care capabilities that Allegheny Health has long-offered to the western Pennsylvania region, Dr. Parda said.  Oncologists at the Network have helped pioneer many cancer diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs over the past several decades.

Many physician leaders of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), for instance, have their clinical practices based at Allegheny Health Network’s Allegheny General Hospital. The NSABP has been the gateway to some of the most promising research and advances in breast and colon cancer.  Researchers at the Network’s Cancer Institute are also currently overseeing more than 200 active studies exploring new concepts and approaches to surgical, medical and radiation oncology, clinical cancer genetics and more.

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About Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network (https://ahn.org) is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is comprised of eight hospitals, including its flagship academic medical center Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Valley Hospital, Canonsburg Hospital, Forbes Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital, Westfield Memorial Hospital and West Penn Hospital; the Allegheny-Singer Research Institute; Health + Wellness Pavilions; and a healthcare group purchasing organization.   The Network employs approximately 17,000 people, including more than 2,100 physicians on its medical staff.   The Network also serves as a clinical campus for both Temple University School of Medicine and Drexel University College of Medicine.