All articles tagged with #advocacy
Hayden Panettiere's last PETA campaign was filmed in Los Angeles weeks before her death at 36, featuring her in a bathtub protest against marine parks as a capstone to a lifelong animal-welfare career that included protests against dolphin hunts in Taiji and activism with the Whaleman Foundation; authorities say autopsy found no trauma and the cause of death remains under investigation, with the DEA assisting.
Two Duke University sisters, Claire (20) and Lilyana (23), were treated for kidney stones within 24 hours of each other—Claire had a 9 mm stone removed, and less than a day later Lilyana required emergency surgery for a 14 mm stone that blocked her ureter. Both recovered, Lilyana’s chronic pain resolved after the procedure, and the pair shared their story on TikTok to raise awareness and advocate for better understanding of kidney stones in young women and listening to patient concerns.
Two brothers, Jordan (31) and Cian (26), both carrying a 99.9% risk of developing the same rare dementia that killed their mother, Geraldine, have launched the FTD Brothers foundation and raised about $4 million by performing extreme endurance stunts and building a social following of over 1 million to raise awareness and fund research. Their feats include the London Marathon carrying a 55-pound fridge, 33 marathons in 33 days, and other endurance challenges, as they push to build a lasting legacy as they confront the disease in the years ahead.
Summer Farmen, a 44-year-old Pennsylvania mom with three kids, began experiencing severe breathlessness in early 2020 and was diagnosed with stage 4 alk-positive lung cancer—a rare, non-hereditary mutation highly treatable with targeted therapy. Though prognosis was grim, she has lived more than six years and become a patient advocate through Alk Positive Inc., funding research, leading support programs, and educating others about treatment options and clinical trials while continuing regular scans and treatment.
Advocates are pushing to classify alpha-gal syndrome — a meat- and dairy-allergy triggered by lone star tick bites — as the 10th major food allergen, a move they say would improve labeling and protections. The effort includes outreach to lawmakers, like Rep. Jake Auchincloss, and personal stories such as Erica Pernell’s about needing to check medications and foods for animal-derived ingredients.
After their almost seven-year-old son Lincoln Rodgers battled brain cancer, a Cleveland family is urging blood donations to support pediatric cancer awareness and blood-drive advocacy.
Activists across generations gathered near Stonewall Inn for a die-in and protest against proposed federal cuts to HIV funding, including Medicaid work requirements, the Ryan White program, and CDC prevention. They warn that interruptions in health coverage and treatment could endanger viral suppression for millions, threaten testing and care, and jeopardize global efforts like Pepfar amid moves to dissolve USAID and tighten NIH HIV research funding. The campaign combines lobbying, legal challenges, and direct action to pressure Congress and states to protect HIV programs and research funding.
Jenny Milne was misdiagnosed with gallbladder issues when she actually had end-stage heart failure from restrictive cardiomyopathy; after a 24-hour heart monitor, she was diagnosed in early 2021 and underwent mitral valve replacement in 2022, putting her heart failure into remission. Now 29, she advocates for early detection and awareness that heart disease can affect people of any age, working with HeartLife Foundation to raise public and medical professional awareness in Canada.
On the 20th anniversary of the HPV vaccine, this feature chronicles Erica Frazier Stum’s battle with cervical cancer despite vaccination, highlighting how HPV vaccines can cut cervical cancer risk by up to about 80% when given by age 16, while also underscoring gaps in vaccine uptake and screening—especially in rural areas—and showcasing her sister Hallie Martin’s advocacy to protect others through vaccination and regular well-woman care.
A gastroenterology nurse and military spouse began experiencing rectal bleeding as a young adult; doctors attributed it to hemorrhoids and pregnancy, delaying diagnosis until after delivery, when a colonoscopy revealed a golf-ball-sized rectal tumor. She was diagnosed with stage 3C cancer with lymph node involvement, underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy, and is now five years cancer-free at 38. The experience highlighted the unique challenges of a military family, the importance of self-advocacy and screening, and the ongoing impact of treatment, including early menopause and stigma around colon cancer.
Eight parents living with ALS share how the disease reshapes daily parenting, forcing adaptive care, redefining what it means to be present for their children, and fueling advocacy for research and better treatments, all while cherishing meaningful family moments.
Elizabeth Smart discusses her new bodybuilding journey on CBS Mornings, calling her debut terrifying but liberating and framing it as a celebration of her body tied to her advocacy for women and children affected by sexual violence.
Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped in Utah in 2002 and later rescued, revealed she has begun competing in bodybuilding shows, posting a bikini photo from the Wasatch Warrior event in Salt Lake City. She says she delayed sharing the hobby, fearing judgment and questioning her credibility as a survivor advocate, and notes she has already competed in four shows while continuing her child-safety advocacy.
Elizabeth Smart revealed on Instagram that she has competed in bodybuilding for the fourth time, turning the sport into a way to reclaim her identity after surviving abduction and abuse. She posted striking photos from the stage, said she’s proud of her body, and urged fellow survivors to chase new experiences and happiness.
Brooke Pangrazio, diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 33 (later 35) with liver and lung metastases, says she is “treatable, but not curable” as she undergoes chemotherapy. Her story highlights rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the need for earlier screening, and the importance of self-advocacy—urging others to push for medical evaluation (like colonoscopies) if something feels off, even as she remains hopeful about longer-term outcomes.