Cancer is Color Blind
What is “CiC” and Why NetIP for $100,000?
Written by Ashwin Janakiram, President, NetIp Chicago. Re-published with permission from http://blog.canceriscolorblind.org/Our first blog launching the Cancer is Colorblind (“CiC”) campaign simultaneously responds to two questions we’ve heard throughout the course of the last six months while developing and planning our fundraising campaign benefiting pediatric and adult cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Sinai Health System: What is CiC? and Why NetIP?
Everyone wants to help the kids (i.e. our pediatric cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital) and adults fighting cancer (i.e. our partnership with the Sinai Health System). But why NetIP? Is cancer NOT colorblind? What does cancer have to do with a group of 5,000+ South Asian professionals? Does cancer uniquely affect South Asians? Are various types of cancer more prevalent in the South Asian community?
It’s true that researchers compile information about cancer diagnoses and track cases using a number of variables including ethnicity and gender to understand the factors affecting cancer risk and how cancer impacts society. It’s also true that rates of certain cancers, such as liver and stomach cancer, are relatively higher among Asians than certain other segments of the general population. (See, e.g., USC Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2006 Cancer Report). But it’s equally true and voluminous statistical data support the proposition that cancer affects all races, genders, and ages. (See American Cancer Society, Illinois Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2009) Since no subset of the population is immune, the theme and direction of our campaign focuses on the “colorblind” nature of cancer. It’s also our namesake.
But many potential supporters may still wonder why a group called the Network of Indian Professionals of Chicago (“NetIP Chicago”) would invest significant resources, time, and money launching a six-month campaign dedicated to raising funds for cancer-related programming and research and honoring cancer survivors and fighters. After all, there are numerous “South Asian-specific” charities and causes ranging from Apna Ghar (domestic violence shelter catering to immigrant populations) to Akshaya Patra (meal program for hungry school kids in India) to the Association for India’s Development (movement promoting sustainable and equitable development in India). And these are just a few South Asian focused community groups starting with the alphabet “A”!
While NetIP Chicago partners with and/or supports each of these noted organizations, we designed the Cancer is Colorblind Campaign, which includes our signature year-end gala, to highlight the new and improved NetIP Chicago. Our mission entails fostering the development of all segments of the Chicago professional community, who have an interest in South Asian culture.
Cancer is Colorblind provides a unique opportunity to achieve our mission by mobilizing and leveraging the success of the entire Chicago community, while recognizing and supporting the cancer struggle shared by all. Individual participants are presented with an avenue to make an impact, help save lives, and work with like-minded professionals throughout the course of the CiC Campaign.
Getting involved is easy. Participate and start making an impact today.
