"May is National Cancer Research Month, and UK is home to the Markey Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the state. NCI-designated cancer centers are given this designation due in part to their robust research efforts, and research is one of the top priorities for us to promote.
It can be easy to think of research as something that happens purely in a lab, or that you'll be a 'guinea pig' trying out untested treatments if you agree to participate. To help put the research that we do in context, we worked with our cancer center director to craft an op-ed that both highlights the unique work we do at Markey with more personal anecdotes to bring the message closer to home. We also included a gentle call to action at the end to donate to cancer research.
This op-ed was picked up by outlets large and small from across the state, including the Lexington Herald-Leader, the main newspaper serving central/eastern Kentucky."
From the Judges
The judges were impressed by the well-written story, which delved into a topic that resonated deeply with many readers. The narrative skillfully explored an issue that hits home for a wide audience, evoking a sense of connection and empathy. The judges recognized the ability to capture the essence of a relatable experience through compelling storytelling.
