The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center takes a visual step forward today with its announcement of a new graphic that visually symbolizes its even wider mission: to eradicate cancer.
Not just eliminate, but eradicate. Since the word literally means "to get rid of as if by tearing up by the roots" just imagine cancer vanishing from its source. Imagine that the roots of a particular cancer, mysteries buried deep within a cell, can be destroyed. To me that seems like a dream. MD Anderson, at least, wants to put that elusive goal out there for all to consider.
The change to the logo is actually simple, which is part of its beauty. The powerful "Making Cancer History" tagline, part of a l996 advertising campaign where surviors take a red pen and strike through the word cancer, remains. But the red-lined cancer now is incorporated into the graphic where it was only subliminallly related before.
"With this new mark, we've told the world where we stand in the effort to end cancer," said John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of MD Anderson. "We're proud that we've created tremendous momentum in cancer research and care. Every patient and research finding teaches us more about how we can eliminate cancer."
As many of you know, I'm a "graduate" of MD Anderson and was diagnosed there in l998 with a locally advanced breast cancer (or Stage IIIB). My cancer may indeed be history, and the same for my husband who is a two-time melanoma survivor. He too has been treated there and also participated in a clinical trial for a melanoma vaccine.
Until now, oncologists have been jumpy about using the word cure and cancer together, or in my case, to consign cancer to a limited time frame. Gone. But certainly not forgotten. For if that were true, there wouldn't be so many of us, working so hard, with such diligence and determination, to bring the elusive cures to fruition. Imagining a world without cancer isn't something I can conceive of. Just yet.
What about you? How does this affect your thinking about cancer? Do you you think cancer can be eradicated in your lifetime? Or that of your children?
3 comments:
Dear Jody, what an awesome way to make a stand! I do believe we can do what MD anderson wants but we have a long battle ahead of us. We will win though because there are just to many of us to stubborn to give up, like me, and a few amazing cancer advocates like you. So yes, we will get rid of this disease once and for all in our lifetime. Thanks again, Annemieke
Jody I love the logo! I think it is so appropriate. Once cancer was here and now it is gone. It is wonderful that you are living in a place where they put the money where the mouth is on a logo!
Why is this possible? Because nothing is impossible with God! At least that is what his word says:)Rejoycing with both you and your husband!
I love that MD Anderson made this move. It is subtle but implies a greater meaning. Trying to focus our words and thoughts on our desired outcome. I try to follow this when possible but like positive thinking it can be overwhelming. But it is always good to have reminders and this is a large reminder for many of us.
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