Back in October we were approached by Antidote, a digital health company on a mission. We became their 200th partner, which we are really honoured about and will be helping them to promote clinical trials & medical research.
I've never really sat down and thought too much about medical research, or questioned where the medication I've been taking for so many years had come from or how much work and effort had gone in to bringing it into the market place and essentially helping me on my Crohn's journey.
After being contacted by Matthew and Nancy, members of the Antidote team in New York, my eyes and ears were opened to the hard work that people are putting in day in and day out in the industry that saves and improves so many lives around the world. I guess I'd taken the pills for granted that I'd been prescribed and putting in my mouth, and had just been going through life in an automated routine, without giving it a second thought.
Through the powers of the internet GCASFM had been discovered and the offer of a place in Antidotes blogging partnership was offered. It didn't take many seconds to be convinced that being a small cog in this gigantic medical machine, could hopefully enable people find the help they needed, and thanks to the technology that the team at Antidote have developed we were eager to show you how it will make finding a clinical trial so much easier.
The fear of taking part or the confusion of having to fill out endless questionnaires could be daunting for many people? That's where Antidote steps upto the plate. Using technology similar to that which many use to search for car insurance or holiday flights, they have developed a search tool that after a few simple questions can match you to a trial in your area for the condition you have.
We have added the search tool in the right hand rail of our website, we hope that you get to use it and have an influence in the development of medicines and medical appliances, that will not only help you in the long term, but help millions of people worldwide.
Just a few weeks ago I received an email from the communications team, who were working on a video project for Thanksgiving. A group of partners were asked the question "Why are you thankful for medical research"? Now I'm pretty awkward when it comes to public speaking, but felt I had to be part of this video and show the world the GCASFM is supporting the cause in it's own little unique way. Feel free to check out the video below, I'm not too sure what was going on with my hair?
I hope you guys and girls are getting the treatment and care you need and hope that one day a discovery will be made that will help us long term and who knows maybe the cure to the end of these illnesses.
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Words: Matt Strutt
Images & Video: Antidote
Contributors: Aaron Darveniza
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