Oral Cancer Cause Inc., (OCC), a non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of oral cancer patients and their families, announced the launch of its second annual Bubble Gum Challenge. Developed to increase public awareness of oral cancer and to help patients with financial support, the Challenge promotes awareness of the disease that leads to one death every hour.
Here’s what participants are invited to do:
Step 1: Change your profile photo to the “Blow a bubble for those who can’t” image. Then, post a video or a pic on your Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook page of you or your group blowing bubbles for those who can’t.
Step 2: Share the photo or short video on your page and the OCC Facebook page. Share whether you’re blowing your bubble for a friend or loved one, and why. Perhaps also share something about oral cancer you did not know before the Challenge.
Step 3: Challenge three or more of your family and friends to blow a bubble for the cause! Tag them in your posts.
Step 4: Donate to Oral Cancer Cause!
“We’re excited to launch the Bubble Gum Challenge again, and grateful for the enthusiasm and support of our participating dental practices and generous sponsors, all of whom are key to the success of this endeavor,” said Linda Miles, CSP, who cofounded OCC with Robin Morrison in memory of two family members who lost their battles with oral cancer. “At OCC, we are passionate about saving and improving the lives of cancer patients. Through the Challenge, we hope to raise awareness that will ultimately reduce the significant rate of oral cancer diagnosed in the US each year.”
The Bubble Gum Challenge also seeks to raise awareness about the prevalence of oral cancer, the significant impacts of treatment, and the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment. OCC's mission is to raise funds to provide financial assistance to oral cancer patients and their families to help enhance their quality of life during and after treatment.
Oral cancer treatments often leave patients without the capacity to complete various activities, such as the ability to chew gum and blow bubbles. The Challenge asks dental practices and other participants to post photos and videos on social media of them blowing bubbles in honor of survivors who cannot blow bubbles themselves. Several participating dental practices will also offer free oral cancer screenings.
The OCC is celebrating its fifth anniversary of providing support to patients and families, and raising awareness about the incidence of oral cancer and the necessity of oral cancer exams for early diagnosis and successful treatment. It also strives to educate the dental community on best diagnosis and treatment practices.
And remember, April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!
