Yael Cohen
Using the F-Word to Battle Cancer - Engaging Generation Y Success Story
Yael founded FCancer in 2009 after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. 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.
While Yael's mother was recovering from her cancer surgery, she overheard the phrase "F- Cancer" in passing. It instantly resonated with her - so much so that she had a t-shirt made for her the next day adorned with this modern-day proverb. To Yael, the shirt said, "yes, I have cancer - but no, I won't go down without one hell of a fight." It said, "I am not a patient - I am a survivor." Yael's mother Diane Cohen, being the spirited woman she is, immediately wore it with pride. The reaction was astounding. Who knew these two little words could elicit so much support? Any time she wore the t-shirt she was inundated with messages of support and questions about where she got it.
Yael recognized an opportunity to make a change and speak in a language that people can appreciate - the truth. Yael began making and selling the shirts for charity and soon after, she realized the FCancer message was far larger than just a t-shirt slogan - it was a movement.
Yael wanted to have more control over where the funds raised were dedicated, ensuring that they made a direct and tangible difference to cancer patients. She listed FCancer as a registered charity, foundation and non-profit and from that point forward, she dedicated her focus to the FCancer movement. FCancer has since grown in leaps and bounds into an international movement aimed at educating supporters, fostering community, harnessing emotion and galvanizing change.
Over the last 2 years, Yael has grown FCancer 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. FCancer'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. She was also amongst the audience at the Clinton Global Initiative and TEDWomen 2010, and shortly before that, had the unique opportunity to share her inspiring message in person as a speaker at TEDx Vancouver 2010. Through FCancer, Yael has earned the respect and admiration of those who truly have the power to effect change.
Using the F-Word to Battle Cancer - Engaging Generation Y Success Story
Yael founded FCancer in 2009 after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. 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.
While Yael's mother was recovering from her cancer surgery, she overheard the phrase "F- Cancer" in passing. It instantly resonated with her - so much so that she had a t-shirt made for her the next day adorned with this modern-day proverb. To Yael, the shirt said, "yes, I have cancer - but no, I won't go down without one hell of a fight." It said, "I am not a patient - I am a survivor." Yael's mother Diane Cohen, being the spirited woman she is, immediately wore it with pride. The reaction was astounding. Who knew these two little words could elicit so much support? Any time she wore the t-shirt she was inundated with messages of support and questions about where she got it.
Yael recognized an opportunity to make a change and speak in a language that people can appreciate - the truth. Yael began making and selling the shirts for charity and soon after, she realized the FCancer message was far larger than just a t-shirt slogan - it was a movement.
Yael wanted to have more control over where the funds raised were dedicated, ensuring that they made a direct and tangible difference to cancer patients. She listed FCancer as a registered charity, foundation and non-profit and from that point forward, she dedicated her focus to the FCancer movement. FCancer has since grown in leaps and bounds into an international movement aimed at educating supporters, fostering community, harnessing emotion and galvanizing change.
Over the last 2 years, Yael has grown FCancer 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. FCancer'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. She was also amongst the audience at the Clinton Global Initiative and TEDWomen 2010, and shortly before that, had the unique opportunity to share her inspiring message in person as a speaker at TEDx Vancouver 2010. Through FCancer, Yael has earned the respect and admiration of those who truly have the power to effect change.
