Uniting Anthropology & Healthcare
A Fund-Raising Project to Transform Pediatric Cancer Care
Introduction
Pediatric cancer is a devastating illness that affects not only the physical health of young children, but their emotional well-being and their family's lives. Recently the incidence of pediatric cancer has been steadily raising. Anthropology is a study of humanity and its diverse cultures, which offers unique insights into understanding the complexities of human experiences within different social and cultural contexts. It is in this intersection between healthcare and culture that anthropology plays a crucial role. By joining insights between these two disciplines, one can create a more holistic approach to treating pediatric cancer, ensuring that no child is left behind , families are being supported during their treatment and beyond, and incorporating social and cultural factors while developing healthcare solutions.
In this take-action project, I combine my passion for Anthropology and a cause that is close to my heart - supporting pediatric cancer patients. I was recently accepted into the St. Jude Leadership Society program, a program done in collaboration with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital which aims to provide essential financial support for families with children suffering from cancer. Through this program, the funds that I raise can help alleviate the financial burden off these families’ shoulders and allow them to devote their full attention to helping their child get better--the only thing a family should have to worry about when their child is sick. By providing funding to this hospital and furthering their research it makes it possible for these findings to be shared around the globe to allow other hospitals to utilize the same types of treatments, allowing the healthcare in various cultures to improve drastically.
The Institution
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a renowned institution dedicated to advancing cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases, primarily focusing on childhood cancer. Established in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude has made remarkable strides in improving the survival rates of childhood cancer. Through their cutting-edge research and clinical trials developed over the last six decades, St. Jude has developed innovative treatment protocols that have increased the chances of survival for many young patients. St. Jude takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, combining the expertise of their doctors, nurses, and researchers to provide personalized treatment plans for each child. They also prioritize collaboration and knowledge-sharing, working closely with other healthcare institutions and medical professionals worldwide to further advancements in pediatric cancer research and care. Not to mention, St. Jude ensures that families do not receive any bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus solely on their child's health and well-being. This unique model of care removes financial barriers and ensures that all children, regardless of their background or economic circumstances, have access to the best possible care.
My Leadership Project
As part of my leadership project, I focused on community outreach and fundraising with the intention to get out of my comfort zone, reach out to the community, and contribute to this noble cause and ultimately to the field of anthropology.
Anthropology offers valuable insights into the diverse cultural and social perspectives that shape an individual’s experiences with healthcare. By incorporating these perspectives into medical research and practice, we can foster a more culturally sensitive and patient-centered approach to care. While much research has been done around the geographical incidence of pediatric cancer, more can be done to understand the culture aspects associated with cancer care. At the core of it, the project represents a remarkable opportunity to understand the role of social and cultural elements in health care setting. I believe St. Jude’s approach is much in line with the principles of anthropology, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader cultural and societal context in which medical care is to be embedded. It is important to address some of the financial, social, and cultural factors holistically if health care is to be made more accessible to the broader society. By prioritizing the wellbeing of children and their families above all, St. Jude paves the way for a deeper exploration of this intricate relationship between health, culture, and society.
I took a comprehensive approach to fundraising, including personal outreach, community talks, and online presence-- all which demonstrated my dedication and commitment to helping St. Jude Children's Hospital. By reaching out to my network and friends through in-person outreach, virtually via social media, sending emails and by setting up a fundraising page, I was able to spread awareness about St. Jude and the importance of supporting their cause. I reached out to local community entrepreneurs and religious organizations to introduce St. Jude Children's Hospital and their efforts to a wider audience and educate them about the valuable work St. Jude does. This helped create a connection between potential donors and the hospital, encouraging a wider range of people to contribute. I also set up a fundraising account as a convenient and accessible way for people to donate and support my cause. By sharing it with my network via social media and face-to-face marketing, I increased the visibility of my fundraising efforts and made it easy for others to contribute.
What I was able to accomplish
Through my dedicated efforts, I have successfully raised over $3000, relieving families of the tremendous financial burden that often accompanies their child's medical treatments. Recently in July 2023, I was invited to participate in the St. Jude NextGen experience event at Memphis, Tennessee and share my experiences with fellow St. Jude Leadership Society participants. In this event, I encountered a variety of people, all who had been touched by childhood cancer in some way and had found a new path through the help of the hospital. It was a humbling experience to hear about their stories and struggles, its impact, and how it changed their lives. It was an eye-opening experience to hear about the support St. Jude provided to them and their families. As part of this event, we got a tour of the St. Jude Children’s hospital, research center, in addition to learning about the founder (Danny Thomas), his passion, birth of ALSAC and the motto of their entire mission.
I believe the impact of my leadership project extends far beyond financial assistance. My initiative has contributed to fostering an environment of compassion and unity, rallying individuals and organizations together to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young patients. I am hoping I have also inspired others to join this cause and actively contribute to improving the lives of children fighting cancer. Through my fundraising endeavors, I hope to provide not only immediate relief but also sow the seeds for lasting change and a brighter future for these young patients and their families. And lastly, from a scientific standpoint through this funding doctors and researchers are able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural aspects of providing care, whether through altering care to be more accessible or in line with a patient’s culture or through sharing findings globally top allow the universal healthcare system to improve. This interdisciplinary approach helps bridge between medical and anthropological sphere, enabling a deeper understanding of complex interconnections between health, culture and society ultimately leading to better health care outcomes.
Acknowledgements
I want to Thank the St. Jude Research Hospital for providing me with an opportunity to contribute to this noble cause