2bMe
 

new web site talks straight to teens with cancer

Washington, D.C. – Although the occurrence of cancer is rare for children 13 to 17, it is still the leading cause of death from disease. The good news, however, is that the mortality rate has declined 50 percent since 1973 and advances in cancer treatment and therapy have been numerous and extremely effective. In an effort to reach out to teens and help them deal with their disease, Look Good…Feel Better® for Teens has launched the new Web site www.2bMe.org.

The Web site is intended to augment the in-hospital Look Good…Feel Better for Teens program a free public service for teens between 13 and 17 that provides information dealing with the appearance and sociological side-effects related to cancer and its treatment. Originally launched in 1996, the program is now available in 13 cities nationwide. A generous grant from AVON Products, Inc. made it possible to reach out to all teens with cancer who have access to the Internet.

“We wanted to give teens a chance to learn more about the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment without making them feel self-conscious about asking questions,” explains Carolyn Deaver, vice president of the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation and the Look Good...Feel Better program. “What better way to reach out to today’s teens than through the Internet?”

Based on the Look Good…Feel Better for Teens program which was developed with the help of child psychologists, nutritionists, social workers and other medical professionals, 2bMe.org provides users the option to privately explore the different challenges caused by their disease on their own terms. Divided into four main areas – “About Face”, “Head Way”, “Health Esteem” and “Social Circles” – topics include skincare, nutrition advice and information on social issues relevant to teens.

Taylor Design, based in Stamford, CT, developed the site. New York artist, Roxanna Baer, provided contemporary and colorful illustrations for the Web site design. A team of cosmetologists, nutritionists, social workers and oncologists that work with teens created the copy. Stacey Resnikoff, a professional writer experienced in advertising and writing for teen magazines, completed additional research and made the language more appealing to teens. The end product is an exciting and entertaining way for teens to get great information on appearance, social and nutritional issues.

“The Web site speaks to teens in their own voice,” said Lynn Hardesty, social worker at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. “On 2bMe.org, they can find real life suggestions on how to look and feel better without being alienated by stiff, medical language or adult themes. For example, the site gives excellent suggestions on how to cope in social situations, such as dealing with their friends, keeping their “cool” without interfering with their treatment and keeping life as normal as possible during this time.

If you’ve visited 2bMe.org and would like more information about the site or the Look Good...Feel Better for Teens program, call 800-395-LOOK, contact the American Cancer Society or visit the Look Good...Feel Better® Web site at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

CONTACT
Misty Bastian, 202-331-1770

 

 
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