Cancer.

It’s a tough, emotional topic.

There’s so much information about it; different experiences from different people, different opinions, thoughts, ideas. But what do you do with all the information? How do you gain access to it? Sure, you can sit on Google and research it. You can buy books and sit with a highlighter, making every page luminous yellow. But after all the invasiveness of treatments and surgeries, you, as a cancer patient, probably want something a bit more personal.

Enter The Cancer Dojo app.

In the process of being created by Conn Bertish, cancer survivor and international award-winning Creative Director, the app will be a digital platform and mobile app that will provide tools and content to empower people affected by cancer and increase their survival rate.

You see, when Bertish was diagnosed in 2006 with a rare form of brain cancer, data available for the behaviour (and reaction to standard treatments) of the cancer was depressingly hard to find. While traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation were prescribed, Bertish felt there was something missing. It was as if the most important part of the solution was left out of the brief.

He immediately set in motion the biggest creative project of his life. He began the process of using his imagination to immerse himself in his bout with cancer. He went straight to the first things he always relied on – his pen, paper and playful, problem solving attitude.

Bertish concentrated his energy to where his body needed it most – he positively added to the effects of his chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries by linking his mind to his body in a playful, targeted way.

Doing this enabled him to prepare different organs, glands and muscles to combat the many negative side-effects of his debilitating treatments. He then took the thinking into everyday life and the world around him. It became a game, a daily routine. He had found a playful, fear-debunking way to interact with, see and imagine himself beating his cancer.

Former head of Western Cape Government’s Department of Health, Dr Tom Sutcliffe, says, “At last a brilliant app that helps a lay person to understand and to thoroughly engage with his or her cancer on a creative, self-healing path.”

Oncologist Dr Garth Davids adds, “A vital step in any cancer journey is to be empowered to face its any challenges. Conn’s journey inspires and empowers.”

To pledge your support and help the Cancer Dojo increase the global cancer survival rate, visit www.thundafund.com/CancerDojo. Find out more about Cancer Dojo at www.cancerdojo.org or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Cancer Dojo is social enterprise partner of People Living With Cancer, a registered Non Profit Organisation.