Crypto Saving Lives: Blockchain Fundraising Campaign For Cancer Goes Viral

What options are there for cancer patients who can’t get treatment in their own country? In times of need, people can only help each other - and many cancer patients are coming up with unique ways to do it. Learn more at https://medium.com/@mjc4ev3r/the-human-story-behind-cancer-coin-58c1203d699e

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
While we're still far away from finding an actual cure
for cancer, it's undeniable that the world has made progress
in treating this devastating disease. With new research and drugs
being developed to combat cancer every day, many patients are
finding themselves with better prognoses and improved quality of life. Many,
but not all. The thing is, with rare forms of cancer,

(00:23):
it's unlikely that patients will find the care they need
close to home, leaving them to rely on treatments from abroad.
But not everyone can afford that. It's why some cancer
patients have turned to more unconventional means of crowdfunding, with
some even launching their own humanitarian campaigns for the greater good.
Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world,

(00:45):
and one in five individuals will develop it in their lifetime.
In spite of its prevalence, the World Health Organization's International
Agency for Research on Cancer i ARC states that the
global burden of cancer is growing, driven by a lack
of services in many countries, an issue that disproportionately affects

(01:05):
underserved communities. In fact, one WHO survey on universal health
coverage shows that only thirty nine percent of participating countries
cover basic cancer care as part of their core health services,
a plight that is partially reflected in the struggles of
cancer patients like viral streamer Rivo Plavniks. When patients have

(01:26):
to seek medical care away from home, it's often expensive,
and this is especially true if they happen to have cancer,
which requires prolonged specialized treatment and costly drugs that aren't
covered by health insurance. That's why crowdfunding has become so
common among cancer patients who aren't fortunate enough to have
access to the treatment they need in their country. Plavnix

(01:48):
is one of the unlucky ones. He's currently combating stage
four high grade sarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive form
of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissues.
He required immediate chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but the treatments
were unavailable in his home country of Latvia, and he
was forced to seek care abroad. Initially unable to afford

(02:12):
travel expenses and medical costs, he reached out online and
received donations that allowed him to access the care he
needed in Spain. But there is hope. Although Plavnix continues
to require treatment, the experience has motivated him to launch
his humanitarian initiative to encourage others to provide monetary aid

(02:32):
to cancer patients in his position. As part of the initiative,
he created cancer, a cryptocurrency that he hopes will become
a viable financial alternative for individuals who are unable to
rely on insurance or government health care to fund their treatment.
Cancer is steadily gaining value as Plavniec's story continues to

(02:52):
spread globally and it is growing closer to reaching its
billion dollar market cap goal. Plavnix's story is fe are
from the only example. Other cancer focused humanitarian initiatives are
popping up all over the Internet and beyond, because when
the systems in place fail, good people will step up
and help those in need. Plavniks is documenting his own

(03:14):
fight against sarcoma in hopes of spreading awareness on the
plight of cancer patients who are unable to afford treatment.
His video streams can be watched on x and if
you want to help him or other patients relying on cancer,
that's one place to do it. And if you really
want to appeal to your inner philanthropist, consider also donating
to cancer research or nonprofits that are devoted to improving

(03:37):
the lives of patients around the world. Together, we can
make a difference. For more visit the link in the description.