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The Billboard Is Coming Down!

The Billboard Is Coming Down!

Words matter. They just do. I know I’ve said this in blog posts time and time again. I’ll probably say it many more times. Because it’s true. And words on a billboard matter too.

I’m pleased to let you know that Mayo Clinic Health Systems has listened. They have informed me that they will be taking action soon (I hope).

The offensive billboard is coming down!

I appreciate all your comments, shares and tweets very much. Your help made this happen.

I might have more to say on this whole matter later, but for now, thank you everybody!

And rest assured, I will be keeping my eye on this billboard and will let you know when it’s actually down.

For my mother and all the rest – we will not forget. 

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Are you surprised Mayo Clinic Health Systems plans to take this billboard down?

Have you seen other offensive cancer ad campaigns?

CareAcross

Wednesday 23rd of April 2014

Very proud of you - this is excellent news! (And happy that Mayo Clinic is listening.)

Nancy

Wednesday 23rd of April 2014

CareAcross, Well thank you! And yes, I'm happy MCHS is listening too.

Laura

Monday 21st of April 2014

Nancy,

I'm so sad that you fought against this. I've lost three people of my very direct family to cancer (brain, and stomach).

This does not offend me. Although we have lost people, we have to continue to raise awareness, and push those who have cancer to fight. That's what the disease is about, fighting. Pushing people to their limits, then making them fight harder. That's why I have worn a Livestrong bracelet going on my 10th year.

Where I live there are no billboards with messages about cancer. I'm sad to see this being taken down. If anything, it was a positive message to those who have cancer- that they can beat it.

Take care, -Laura

Nancy

Monday 21st of April 2014

Laura, I'm sorry cancer has impacted your family too. I appreciate you saying this billboard does not offend you. But it did offend me and that's why I wrote my post. I do not see it as a positive message. I also believe there is far too much emphasis put on the war metaphor type cancer language. It's not quite as simple as just "fighting it and beating it" for some. I respect your viewpoint. Thanks for sharing it.

Katherine Hedlund

Monday 21st of April 2014

Good for you! So many think their one little voice doesn't matter. Clearly it does. Thanks for your perseverance.

Nancy

Monday 21st of April 2014

Katherine, It was the many voices that got the attention of MCHS. I'm pretty sure they would not have noticed my blog post at all if it had not been for Twitter and other social media venues. United voices matter for sure. Thanks for reading and commenting.

eileen@womaninthehat.com

Monday 21st of April 2014

Good job, Nancy! Well done! Our voices have been heard. I'm not surprised. I'm certain Mayo wants to do the right thing. On the surface, the ad probably seemed like a good one. I'm sure those responsible for the advertising could not have thought it through to its conclusion, which is probably obvious only to those who have gone down the cancer road.

Nancy

Monday 21st of April 2014

Eileen, I realize the ad was intended to uplift, but the instant I saw it I was not uplifted, but rather was offended. And I knew I had to say so. Many others apparently felt much the same. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts about it.

Beth L. Gainer

Sunday 20th of April 2014

Bravo, Nancy!!!! This is wonderful news, and it sounds like Mayo is going to do the right thing (hopefully). Frankly, I am surprised that Mayo is listening and taking the sign down. Most medical facilities don't care or are not aware about how their advertising hurts patients.

By taking down the sign, Mayo will make things right.

Nancy

Sunday 20th of April 2014

Beth, I agree. I am very pleased MCHS has re-evaluated and decided to do the right thing. Any time a major player listens and attempts to address and fix a problem, that's a very good thing. Thanks for reading and commenting.