#BeatCancer

It was only a matter of time before the fight against cancer took to the realm of social media.

Everywhere, a social media communications and content company, launched the #BeatCancer campaign at the beginning of October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

#BeatCancer was designed as a social media experiment to combine the popularity of social media sites with fighting cancer. #BeatCancer was the brainchild of Everywhere’s managing partner Tamara Knechtel.

“If Ashton Kutcher could get a million followers, couldn’t we take on a social cause through social media? My business partners who’ve watched as I’ve struggled with cancer suggested we try to beat cancer through social media. Thus #BeatCancer was born.”

The idea evolved into a competition to break the Guinness World Record for the largest distribution of mass message through social media. The guidelines were as follows: “In a 24-hour period of time starting Friday, October 16th at 9 am (PDT) and lasting until Saturday, October 17th at 9am (PDT) people all over the internet stratosphere will be asked to send tweets and Facebook status updates and to blog using #BeatCancer in their posts.”

Ebay/Paypal and MillerCoors Brewing Company agreed to donate a penny for every Tweet, Facebook update or blog post that included the phrase #BeatCancer. At the close of competition, #BeatCancer had been mentioned 667,061 times over the various social media sites, setting the new Guinness World Record and raising over $70,000 for Stand Up To Cancer, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Bright Pink, and Spirit Jump, all charities benefiting cancer research.

This experiment really took into account the influence social media sites having on communicating for a cause. Instead of using Facebook or Twitter just for personal social use, it shed light on the sheer power these tools can also have in terms of non-profit exposure. With the help of web design and public relations firms, the experiment’s official website www.beatcancereverywhere.com showcased what people were saying about #BeatCancer in real time.

The following video serves as another example of how non profits are embracing social media.

Add a comment November 5, 2009

Susan G. Komen Gets Connected

In today’s ever-advancing Internet-based society, online social networking is key in spreading awareness and getting people involved in a cause or event. 

As a national leader in the search for a cure for breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is taking its fight to the next level with the launch of a new social networking site. Established in 1982 by Komen’s sister Nancy G. Brinker, the foundation has invested nearly $1.5 billion over the past quarter of a century in private funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. The largest breast cancer charity in the world, the Komen organization seeks to connect the countless women and men worldwide afflicted by breast cancer and those who have fought the battle alongside them. The new site, “myKomen”, provides an online community for breast cancer activists, survivors and supporters to discuss their individual stories and shared experiences with others who have been affected by the disease. 

“myKomen allows users to share their knowledge, their support, their victories, even virtual hugs, 24 hours a day. It`s a visual representation of our grassroots network,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “myKomen complements the award-winning redesign of komen.org, supplementing the existing content and taking it to the next level.”

Upon visiting my.komen.org, new users can create personalized profiles to share their stories and messages. As a social networking site, myKomen works in a similar way to Facebook, including news feeds, a message wall, and the ability to share photos, videos and links to pages on the main website komen.org. One of the most interesting features of a myKomen profile is the Interactive Map, an efficient way for any member to become more involved in local events and make a difference in his or her community. Members can invite friends to join, establish tribute pages for loved ones, and build a worldwide support system. 

Offering a forum for people to discuss their unique experiences and find others who can identify is a great way to empower people and keep pushing the limits of science to find the cures. Through this new social network, the Komen organization has created an outlet to give anyone the opportunity to be part of a community that spans the globe, providing help and hope and celebrating survival. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is strengthening the global breast cancer movement and making a difference in millions of lives one Internet user at a time. 

Author: Jessica Ferreira

Add a comment November 5, 2009