Transforming Cancer Care with Tech: Gal Avital’s Vision for Collaboration
From Patient to Partner
Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer twice, Gal’s journey with Sheba Medical Center began as a deeply personal one. Her experiences with treatment motivated her to work alongside the very professionals who had once cared for her. “I came in as a patient, underwent many treatments, got to know the staff, and now I’m working with the same people to create something that is bigger than all of us and help other people,” she says.
Empowering Cancer Research Through Innovation
After her initial diagnosis, Gal and her husband, Idan, launched Tech4Cancer to bring high-tech solutions to cancer research. In collaboration with Ayelet Geva and Prof. Raanan Berger from the Jusidman Cancer Center at Sheba Medical Center, Gal co-founded this transformative initiative aimed at accelerating cancer research and improving the efficiency of treatments. Recognizing inefficiencies in current research processes, they aimed to inject creativity and technology into advancing treatments. Collaborating with Sheba’s researchers, the initiative has already driven groundbreaking studies into triple-negative breast cancer, resulting in publications and intellectual property.
“We found a really interesting research about triple-negative breast cancer, which is very aggressive and grows fast,” Gal notes. The success of these efforts underscores the potential of combining tech expertise with innovative medical research.
Supporting Survivors Beyond Research
Beyond Tech4Cancer, Gal and Idan’s initiatives focus on easing the challenges faced by cancer survivors. Hagal Hayarok, for example, is an initiative that streamlines bureaucratic processes, such as tax exemptions and disability permits, to ensure patients receive the support they need quickly and efficiently. For instance, a digital form now enables survivors to apply for tax exemptions online and receive approval within just 10 days, streamlining what was previously a complicated process. Additionally, Halas-Tech is a program that empowers young cancer survivors to rebuild their careers by providing them with opportunities to develop digital marketing skills.
A Vision for Global Impact
Looking ahead, Gal and Idan aspire to expand their mission worldwide. “We feel that it’s time to go global and help cancer research around the world become more efficient and effective by injecting high-tech creativity, technology, and mindset into the process,” Gal concludes.
Her journey from patient to partner reflects Sheba’s dedication to combining cutting-edge science with compassion, offering hope and transformative care to cancer patients from around the world.
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