Lifestyle

Yael Cohen Gives Cancer The Big FU (Video)

by Kayla Inglima

F*ck Cancer: a simple statement with a profound message behind it. Elite TV recently had the pleasure of speaking with the founder of the charity, F*ck Cancer, on what sparked its inception, its mission and how our generation has a unique opportunity to change the conversation of this disease.

Yael Cohen is not only stunning, but also incredibly intelligent and inspirational. Yael, the founder of F*ck Cancer, explains that the name came out of a natural reaction upon hearing her mother’s diagnosis with breast cancer. Like most people who are diagnosed or see a loved one diagnosed, the initial feelings are of fear and anger. That is where "F*ck Cancer" originated, but it soon came to mean much more than that.

After printing the words “F*ck Cancer” on a t-shirt for her mother to wear, she realized the significance of the statement. F*ck Cancer was inspirational; it was less of an offensive statement and more of an empowering one. Motivated by the vast amount of support the t-shirt brought about, Yael decided to launch a charity and website.

Upon realizing that 90% of cancers can be cured if found in Stage 1, she chose early detection and prevention to be the first focus of the charity. The additional services the charity provides are risk-reducing information and a communication platform.

Using interactive info-graphics, F*ck Cancer is able to provide human resources to answer many of the emotional and psychological questions/issues that arise when a person or family member is diagnosed. This unique function of F*ck Cancer, which allows patients to help patients, is what Yael is especially proud of.

F*ck Cancer is taking a fresh approach at targeting cancer, in which it aims to garner the attention and support of Gen-Y.

“I am obsessed with our generation! We know that every generation is unique and special and can change the world, and I think that past generations have, but they’ve changed their world. For the first time in history our generation can change the world because of this exponential growth in social media and the ability to share, learn, communicate and consume online.”

Gen-Y has the unique ability to use technology to help bring about awareness and prevention. Hopefully, as technology continues to advance, one day “cure” can be added to that list. In the mean time, Yael and F*ck Cancer aim to support the community that faces the disease with courage -- and one simple sentiment: F*CK CANCER.