In addition, the team also developed a series of customcomic books in which some of the most famous members of the Justice Leaguefight a disease similar to cancer, caused by a gas released by a supervillain.The "superformula," which is developed by doctors and specialists in the comicbooks, just as in real life, is then administered to the superheroes to helpthem recover. The comic books enable the doctors and nurses to explain cancerto their young patients, and along with the special IV bag cases, help thechildren understand that chemotherapy, even though it makes them sick, is meantto help them fight their own disease. It also helps to instill the belief thatcancer, like a comic book villain, is something that can be fought andovercome.
The campaign is one example of how cancer in particular hasbecome, in a way, a 'public' disease. While patients can always count onsupport from their family and friends when sick or hospitalized, most diagnosesaren't aired beyond that group. But these days, a cancer diagnosis can often bea rallying point for support not only from a patient's immediate circle, butalso from the community; Lance Armstrong's long-term battle with cancer—and thesignificant fundraising for cancer research as a result of the Live Strongmovement—is just the most famous example. And in turn, the increased public awarenessand support has helped to push research and treatments forward as communitieshost events such as charity walks to raise money in support of individuals'treatment or for further research.
Whilefighting cancer is ultimately a battle that has to be waged individually, efforts such as these that provide strength and support—and a new way oflooking at the disease—are helping to make the battlefield a bit more level.
