The World’s Most Philanthropic Individuals

On August 4, 2017

In Cancer Research, Philanthropy, Philip Burroughs

Philanthropy, as I’ve mentioned multiple times before on this website, is crucial. It is necessary that we come together whenever we can and help each other out. Without philanthropy, several organizations and charities couldn’t exist, and that would leave the world in a worse state than it already is. These generous people donate their time and money to give to a cause bigger than themselves, and that is an incredibly noble gesture. That being said, I figured I would round off a few of the world’s most charitable people.

Bill Gates

For anybody who knows Bill Gates and how much money he is worth, this may not come as much of a surprise. However, even for those of you who are already familiar with Bill Gates’ philanthropic endeavors, you may be surprised to know just how much he has actually given away. To date, Gates has given away $27 billion dollars. That’s an incredibly large amount of money. However, he is most famous for co-founding and running the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation distributes grants to organizations and initiatives designed to make the world a better place.

Jon Huntsman Jr.

While he may not be a household name like Bill Gates, Jon Huntsman Jr. is just as philanthropic. As a survivor of both prostate and oral cancer, Huntsman Jr. has dedicated his life to donating to cancer research centers in the hunt for a cure. He has donated over $1 billion and has even joined Warren Buffett’s The Giving Pledge, and institution founded by Buffett that is comprised of the world’s wealthiest billionaires for the sole purpose of donating most of, or all, of their wealth.

Pierre Omidyar

Much like Hunstman Jr., Pierre Omidyar is not necessarily a well-known figure; however, eBay, the company he runs, is incredibly popular. Back in 1998, Omidyar and his wife founded the Omidyar Foundation which has donated millions to a variety of charitable causes and organizations, including human rights, energy and technology. What’s more, Omidyar has even sold 10% of his shares in eBay to several unknown charities. That comes to a whopping $270 million.

Some of the Most Unique Charities

By Philip Burroughs

On July 11, 2017

In Philanthropy, Philip Burroughs

As a deep believer in charitable contributions and philanthropy, I understand and respect the need to help others. I also thoroughly encourage others to go out and donate to their favorite charities. Whether your goal is to help the poor or to fund research for terminal illnesses, investing your time and resources into helping others is an honorable decision.

With that being said, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the more interesting charities and nonprofit organizations out there. These charities all have unique characteristics or go about helping others in unconventional ways, and yet, they are all equally important.

Give Back Yoga Foundation

Do you enjoy practicing yoga? If you do, then you already know of its amazing health benefits; if you don’t, then why not join the 20 million US adults who practice the exercise? Yoga does a world of good for the body; it can improve breathing, reduce weight, boost your circulatory health and even alleviate stress. This is why the Give Back Yoga Foundation exists. The foundation sends trained yoga instructors to several underprivileged areas and offers classes in order to give back to the community. The nonprofit sends instructors to prisons, hospitals and even addiction recovery centers in the hopes of offering balance of mind and body to those who desperately need it.

Cary Creative Center

Americans generate roughly 230 million tons of garbage and solid waste, and less than a quarter of it is recycled. The rest of it ends up in a landfill. That’s a lot of waste that just sits idly by. The Cary Creative Center is looking to solve that issue in an artistic way. The nonprofit sets up classes to teach everyday North Carolina citizens how to recycle their trash in creative ways. Essentially, you can take your would-be garbage and turn it into a beautiful artistic masterpiece that can be fashionable and functional.

Community Voice Mail

You’re probably asking yourself what in the world a “community voice mail” is, right? Don’t worry, when I first heard the term, I was just s confused, But after learning about the program, I couldn’t be happier to include it in this list. Essentially, the Community Voice Mail program offers a phone number and voicemail inbox to the homeless. Why would the homeless need a voicemail? That’s another fantastic question that has a logical answer. Consider this: if you’ve ever been job hunting, you understand the importance of being accessible at all times. You also understand that you will more than likely miss a phone call or two from a potential employer. That is the beauty of voicemail: the employer can leave a message after the tone. Unfortunately, the homeless do not have this luxury. And if someone who is homeless is looking to land a job to get himself back on his feet, he will need a method of communication. That is where the Community Voice Mail program comes in. Through the program, any homeless person can provide the phone number to potential employers and receive and check on their messages from any phone. This is an incredibly unique organization that does a world of good.

Celebrity Philanthropists

By Philip Burroughs

On June 9, 2017

In Cancer Research, Philanthropy, Philip Burroughs

Celebrities. There is something about them that makes us stop and listen. Maybe it is their wealth, influence or profession; perhaps it is merely the fact that our society is told to revere these individuals as special. And while certain celebrities can prove to be very talented or innovative, the truly special celebrities are those that give to charity and are heavily involved in philanthropy. And so, I figured I would list a few celebrities who are using their popularity and fame for good.

Bono

This may come as a surprise to nobody, considering that Bono is known more for his charitable efforts than being the frontman of U2. Bono has contributed to a variety of charitable organizations and institutions, however his biggest philanthropic endeavor goes towards the fight against AIDS in Africa. Using his passion for helping others, Bono helped found ONE, a major advocacy organization aimed at combating poverty and AIDS in Africa. The organization currently has 7 million members and, through its efforts, has managed to save the lives of tens of millions of people. Bono’s most popular organization is RED, which he helped co-found in 2006. RED specifically fights AIDS by teaming up with some of the largest brands across the globe and offering specially designed products whose proceeds benefit the organization.

John Legend

Not many people know that popular musician John Legend is quite the philanthropist. He has been most vocal about assisting developing nations to become self-sufficient as well as bolstering student education. Legend founded the Show Me Campaign, which aims at giving young students the power and confidence to become successful professionals.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is mostly known for her role as Hermione Granger in the popular Harry Potter film series. And it seems as if she is just as magical off-screen as she is on-screen. Watson has donated to several charities from around the world, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Small Steps Project and Millennium Purpose. Watson is best-known for her fight for female rights and feminism. As a co-founder of the popular HeForShe movement, Watson is certainly vocal about gender equality. The HeForShe campaign is designed to inspire boys and men to become advocates for women’s rights.

This is only a small list of celebrity that are using their popularity and influence for charitable causes. Perhaps I will feature even more in the future. Until then, do not forget that you do not need to be a celebrity to give back.

Relay For Life

By Philip Burroughs

On June 6, 2017

In Cancer Research, Philanthropy, Philip Burroughs

I am a heavy proponent of the American Cancer Society and all that the organization does. One of its largest fundraising efforts is the Relay For Life. For those that do not know, the Relay For Life is an annual fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Although the event is held by the American Cancer Society, the relay has gone global. According to the ACS’ official website for the relay, over 5,200 communities in 27 countries contribute their time and efforts to the relay. The relay itself can last anywhere from 6-24 hours, and each team participating in the event is instructed to have at least one member on the designated track at all times, in order to symbolize the never ending battle that cancer patients must face daily.

Throughout its 31 year history, the Relay For Life has had 3.5 million members, and has managed to accrue a whopping $5 billion.

How Did it All Start?

In 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt, in an effort to help the American Cancer Society raise money, walked and ran for 24 hours straight on a track in Washington. After all was said and done, Klatt, through the contributions of spectators and friends, had raised $27,000 for the ACS. Little did Dr. Klatt know that he would be starting a worldwide phenomenon. The first official Relay For Life was held the following year at the Stadium Bowl and went on to raise $33,000.

The Relay For Life is incredibly important to me, and millions of other people the world over. Cancer is a terrible disease, and no person should have to go through what cancer patients do. While a full-blown cure has not yet been discovered, and we have no clue if or when we will find one, we must not give up hope. By contributing to the Relay For Life, or any cancer research fundraising event, you are helping our collective society find a cure.

If you are interested in participating in the Relay For Life or even interested in donating, visit the American Cancer Society’s official website and find the next event near you!

Thicker Than Water

By Philip Burroughs

On April 26, 2017

In Philanthropy

Imagine a world where running water is provided for everyone. The world is made up of a large portion of water, yet too many people don’t have access or can’t afford clean, running water. Two communities, one in Detroit and one in Baltimore are striving to change that through a charity known as The Human Utility, formerly known as the Detroit Water Project.

This organization is re-defining how water bills are being paid. Anyone will access to the website or organization can participate in this charity in two ways. You can state that you need help paying your water bill, or for those more financially fortunate, you can choose to help someone else pay their water bill.

Did you know that cities are turning off tap water, leaving people without the ability to shower, clean their dishes and clothes, and simply drink water in their own home? This forces people to find a source of water elsewhere. High water bills and low-income don’t mix, forcing utility companies to turn off the tap due to unpaid bills.

The Human Utility seeks to resolve this issue. With proof of income, low-income families can apply for help. A donated pool of funds is collected through the Human Utility and goes towards paying water bills for families without water. Once their overdue bills are paid, the water is turned back on and a family in need can once again enjoy the privilege of water flowing through the pipes in their home.

Dating back to 2014, this project has helped over 1000 families have their water turned back on, with their delinquent bills finally paid off thanks to the money disbursed from the donated pool. Donations are accepted at all times, in many forms. Whether you donate financially (which is tax-deductible) or you donate your time and skills, you can help provide the essential need of water to improve a family’s quality of life.

The Human Utility does more than simply paying off bills and providing water for those who can’t afford it. It establishes hope and brings a community together. Volunteers, donators, and low-income families are all part of this organization, making this a great step for humanity. One can only hope that this type of organization will appear in other high-need areas throughout the country, and perhaps even the world.

Detecting Cancer More Efficiently

By Philip Burroughs

On April 6, 2017

In Cancer Research, Philanthropy, Philip Burroughs

Cancer is never easy. It can be a difficult illness to deal with, and the fact that there is no known cure makes the road even more challenging. And as scientists work day and night to develop a long-lasting cure, others are working on an equally important aspect of cancer: detection. And a group of researchers and scientists seem to have made a significant development in early detection of cancer.

According to a report from Digital Trends, researchers from UCLA and USC have developed a program that can not only detect if a patient has cancer, but where that cancer is located. Aptly titled the CancerLocator, the program can detect and track cancer by analyzing a sample of the patient’s blood.

With so much attention focused on battling cancer (and rightfully so), diagnosis can easily be overlooked. But it is just as important to detect the disease. The earlier it can be detected, the better the chances of survival. And while CancerLocator’s ability to detect cancer is impressive, its potential to offer more effective treatments is even more groundbreaking.

How Does it Work?

By saying that CancerLocator works by analyzing blood is a gross oversimplification. In reality, there is so much more to the process. CancerLocator measures the amount of methyl groups located in cells after they die, which signal whether or not they are cancerous. And since cells have different gene expressions, CancerLocator can use this information to detect the cancer’s location. In the same Digital Trends article, Project Researcher Wenyuan Li explains the technical aspects of the process, stating, “Using the large amount of DNA methylation profiles of various tumor types in the public database, we can identify the DNA methylation signatures that differentiate multiple cancer types as well as normal plasma.”

According to the official press release from UCLA, CancerLocator had an accuracy rate of 80 percent, far better than various other methods.

Could CancerLocator change the future of cancer research? Only time will tell, but I am incredibly eager for what the future holds.

Managing Pancreatic Cancer

By Philip Burroughs

On March 10, 2017

In Cancer Research, Philip Burroughs

As one of the world’s leading causes of death in the world, cancer is a terrible affliction. What’s worse, is that there is not one, but several different forms of the deadly disease, making finding a cure for each incredibly difficult. Pancreatic cancer, in particular, is the eighth most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. And although there is no sure, universal cure, there may be hope yet for those suffering from the disease.

The protein known as S100P is frequently found in pancreatic cancer patients, and essentially spreads cancer throughout the pancreas. Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire, with the help of Dr. Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic of the Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, have potentially discovered a way to prevent the harmful protein from even being activated.

According to an article from Independent, the project, which was funded by the Worldwide Cancer Research charity, featured a bevy of scientists. In the article, two of the scientists involved in the project described the process of finding a potential cure. Apparently, Dr. Stewart Kirton of the University of Hertfordshire designed structures of new drugs based on an asthma prevention drug called Cromolyn, which were then synthesized by Dr Sharon Rossiter.

Later, the scientists used molecular biology in order to screen 93 different synthetic compounds for their ability to suppress S100P. The screening found 18 potential drugs, which were then tested for their toxicity on cancerous cells. Although the compounds did not kill the cancerous cells, they did manage to prevent migration, which is ideal for chemotherapy, as it slows down the cells, making them easier to attack.

Now, the scientists will spend the next few months looking over the most promising drugs and alter them, in an attempt to limit the amount of side-effects. The authors are hopeful that even though this breakthrough may not lead to a cure, it may make pancreatic cancer a manageable disease.

If these scientists can truly make pancreatic cancer manageable, it could affect the lives of millions the world over. More than 53,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, with a staggering 43,000 dying from the disease. Hopefully this treatment can allow those suffering to have a healthier, more optimistic future.

I’ll be sure to update you should there be any breakthroughs or developments in this story.

Diabetes Could Lead to Cancer

By Philip Burroughs

On February 3, 2017

In Cancer Research, Philanthropy, Philip Burroughs

For anyone living with diabetes, whether it be type 1 or 2, you know how much of a serious affliction it is. Although the disease can be highly monitored, typically preventing any severe damage, diabetes is not something to be taken lightly. And if a new study is anything to go by, the metabolic disease could be even more dangerous than previously thought.

A study conducted by the International Prevention Research Institute (IPRI), based in Lyon, France, revealed that diabetes could actually lead to cancer. The study, which involved over 1 million patients from Italy and Belgium, found that 50 percent of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the previous year. The findings were presented at the European Cancer Congress in Amsterdam.

Those who had already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had a deterioration in the disease which was linked to to a seven-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

According to experts, it is possible that the treatment for diabetes is what increases the chances of pancreatic cancer. This is an intriguing development mainly due to the fact that, while diabetes is very common in the UK (3.5 million cases), pancreatic cancer is not. In fact, there are only approximately 10,000 cases diagnosed annually.

Researchers conducting the study say that more must be done to develop earlier tests for pancreatic cancer in order to discover the disease before it can get out of hand.

The IPRI’s Alice Koechlin gave her insight into the situation, stating, “Doctors and their diabetic patients should be aware that the onset of diabetes or rapidly deteriorating diabetes could be the first sign of hidden pancreatic cancer, and steps should be taken to investigate it.” Chief Executive of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, Maggie Blanks, expressed her excitement over the discovery. “The association between pancreatic cancer and type 2 diabetes has been an area of interest to researchers for several years, so it’s great to see studies generating new and potentially very valuable information which could alert clinicians to the need for further investigation in certain patients,” she said.

As an advocate for various cancer research organizations, I am incredibly excited to see advancements in any field related to cancer. With these recent developments, we can understand these terrible afflictions even more and hopefully, someday, eradicate them completely.

IBM’s Watson to Study Genomics For Cancer Research

By Philip Burroughs

On January 10, 2017

In Cancer Research

One of humankind’s deadliest diseases is cancer. It is not only deadly for the amount of victims it claims, but for the fact that there is still no known cure. While certain treatments like chemotherapy can be used in the fight against this terrible affliction, they do not always succeed. That is why IBM and genetic research company Illumina are teaming up to use IBM’s Watson to take cancer head on.

Watson is a cognitive technology that was designed for the sole purpose of analyzing data and answering some of the world’s toughest questions. The two companies have come together to create Watson for Genomics. Watson for Genomics hopes to both simplify and create an industry standard for genomic data interpretation in cancer research.

Scientists who are using Illumina’s BaseSpace Sequence hub and tumor sequencing process will now be able to analyze the information collected much faster. According to an official statement from IBM, Watson for Genomics will essentially read through a breadth of academic research as well as genetic files produced by Illumina’s TruSight Tumor 170 and create a report that researchers can use in mere minutes. The TruSight Tumor 170 is a solid tumor profiling panel created to detect several variants across 170 genes.

All of this is tremendous news for cancer research. Understanding genomics is a crucial element to fighting cancer. Recent studies suggest that by understanding the genomic element of a tumor, physicians can better tailor a specific treatment to a patient, instead of applying a general treatment, which may not provide any help.

In the same statement, President and CEO of Illumina, Francis deSouza, noted his thoughts on the incredible potential of the team up. “To enable precision cancer medicine on a large scale, we need new tools to overcome the data barriers of genomic research,” said deSouza. “With a comprehensive assay of Illumina and the power of Watson, we hope to deliver a rapid turnaround of the genomic alteration results.”

As Watson continues to grow and learn, its implementation into genomic research can do wonders for cancer research. Hopefully, this team up can prove fruitful and create the long-awaited cure for cancer.