Shira Kuperman-Segal

Kuperman held several positions in the Ministry of Defense: in the IDF Widows and Orphans Division, as well as in the Rehabilitation Division.{{Cite web |title=Shira Hadasha |url=https://makorrishon/nrg/online/1/ART1/708/348.html |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=Makor Rishon}} She graduated from the Open University of Israel with a degree in Social Sciences, while serving in the IDF.

Kuperman served as the deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, and later as the spokesperson. As such, she was involved with the political implications of the erection of the Israeli West Bank barrier and was involved in Israeli Knesset discussions of the Comptroller Committee.{{Cite web |title=Open Knesset |url=https://oknesset.org/meetings/6/4/64875.html |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=oknesset.org}}

She was a correspondent for Israel's News 10.

Halasartan Organization: In 2015 Kuperman met Zohar Yakobson, whose daughter, Tal, died of cancer at age 26. Kuperman was appalled by the conditions which Tal underwent, including misdiagnosis, bureaucratic difficulties and a deep feeling of loneliness. Together, the two decided to found an organization that would aid young-adult cancer patients. The coined name Halasartan derived from the Hebrew slang: חלאס or "stop" and the Hebrew word for "cancer" (סרטן).{{Cite web |last=Grave-Lazi |first=Lidar |date=7 March 2021 |title=Zohar Yakobson – Acting with compassion |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/zohar-yakobson-acting-with-compassion-661055 |access-date=30 June 2021 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US}}

Kuperman began working with cancer patients, learning first hand of their day-to-day struggles and their unique needs. According to the European Society for Medical Oncology, the organization serves young patients with cancer among the ages 18–45 years,{{Cite web |last=Galanti |first=Michal |date=2 October 2017 |title=THE LOUNGE |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/the-lounge-506572 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}} through its large-scale operations.{{Cite journal |last1=PubMed, Ben-Aharon |first1=Irit |last2=Goshen-Lago |first2=Tal |last3=Turgeman |first3=Ilit |last4=Fontana |first4=Elisa |last5=Smyth |first5=Elizabeth |last6=Lordick |first6=Florian |date=May 2020 |title=Young patients with cancer and a digital social network: the voice beyond the clinic |journal=ESMO Open |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=e000651 |doi=10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000651 |issn= |pmc=7228558 |pmid=32385087}} The NGO targets mostly patients with breast cancer, genitourinary, hematological malignancies, melanoma, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and leukemia, among others.{{Cite journal |last1=Ben-Aharon |first1=Irit |last2=Goshen-Lago |first2=Tal |last3=Fontana |first3=Elisa |last4=Smyth |first4=Elizabeth |last5=Guren |first5=Marianne |last6=Caballero |first6=Carmela |last7=Lordick |first7=Florian |date=1 June 2019 |title=Social networks for young patients with cancer: the time for system agility |url=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(19)30346-8/abstract |journal=The Lancet Oncology |language=English |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=765 |doi=10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30346-8 |issn=1470-2045 |pmid=31162090 |s2cid=174808947}}

The community offered by the program enables patients to alleviate their "sense of seclusion" and "reduce anxiety." Soon after its establishment, the organization's digital community reached over 30,000 participants.{{Cite web |last=Grave-Lazi |first=Lidar |date=7 March 2021 |title=Zohar Yakobson – Acting with compassion |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/zohar-yakobson-acting-with-compassion-661055 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=קופרמן |first=שירה סגל |date=2021-09-19 |title=חולי הסרטן הצעירים - יעד לאומי לשנה החדשה, שירה סגל קופרמן |work=Globes |url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001384923# |access-date=2022-12-04}} External surveys show that patients consider the network not only as a reliable source for medical information, but also for 'patient mentoring' of newly diagnosed members by cancer survivors.

National Oncologic Nursing Curriculum: Kuperman identified eight unique needs of young cancer patients: sexuality and sexual performance, fertility, romantic relationships, young parenthood, physical rehabilitation, education and employment, recognition and rights, and loneliness and depression. She led a research team to explore these eight needs, which in turn became a report. The report was aimed at changing "the popular perception that cancer patients are the sole responsibility of medical professionals, providing a greater role for the community."

Following the report and the decision of the Ministry of Health, the overall nursing education program in the field of oncology was updated and revised. A new curriculum unit was written primarily focused on Kuperman's report. The new position became a part of a national program of clinics focused on young-adult oncological patients.{{Cite web |title=לראשונה בישראל הושקה תכנית ארצית לטיפול ותמיכה בצעירים חולי סרטן |url=http://maariv.co.il/news/health/Article-781802 |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=Maariv}} The report, in turn, helped the Israeli healthcare system "improve its services." Following the report, the Israeli Ministry of Health founded a committee to investigate the shortcomings described in Kuperman's report. The committee recognized the need for the establishment of a new medical role within the healthcare system: a nurse specialized on the needs of young-adult cancer patients.{{Cite web |title=תחומי עיסוק ופעילות של אחות מוסמכת מרכזת טיפול במתבגרים ובמבוגרים צעירים חולי סרטן בגילאי 15-44 במערך האשפוז {{!}} מספר החלטה 200/2022 |url=https://www.gov.il/he/departments/policies/nd200-2022 |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=GOV.IL |language=he}} A certification program was created by the Ministry of Health for such specialized nurses. Kuperman advocated for the report to be read "in depth," and for its information to be disseminated throughout the medical world. The report was also aimed at encouraging research into the biology of cancer, specifically in young patients. Kuperman also warned about the side effects of the anti-cancer treatment in young people which must be examined with its long term effects.

She advocated for special training for medical staff dedicated to young cancer patients. She warned about the post-trauma of cancer patient survivors who recovered from the physical aspects of the disease and yet are emotionally scarred.

Accelerator for Initiatives in the Field of Cancer Study:

Noting the unique needs of cancer patients, Kuperman founded the Accelerator for Initiatives in the Field of Cancer Study. The Accelerator brings together doctors, nurses, high-tech entrepreneurs and various professionals in developing new initiatives and inventions in the field of oncology.

Joint council of doctors and patients:

Kuperman advocated for the creation of a "customized supportive system" providing access to the full spectrum of psychosocial assistance to patients.{{Cite web |title=לראשונה בישראל הושקה תכנית ארצית לטיפול ותמיכה בצעירים חולי סרטן |url=https://maariv.co.il/news/health/Article-781802 |website=Maariv}}{{Cite web |title=תוכנית לטיפול בחולי סרטן צעירים |url=https://cancer.sheba.co.il/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%92%D7%99%D7%94-%D7%A6%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D |access-date=4 July 2021 |website=cancer.sheba.co.il}} She created a joint council of doctors and patients at the hospital. The council is held periodically to discuss and design the healthcare program with the patients themselves suggesting improvements.{{Cite web |last=Jerusalem Post Staff |date=10 August 2020 |title=Cancer support program for young people launches nationwide |url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/cancer-support-program-for-young-people-launches-nationwide-638064 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=20 February 2018 |title="נופלים בין הכסאות": חולי סרטן צעירים יקראו בכנסת לטיפול מותאם – וואלה! חדשות |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3136910 |access-date=4 July 2021 |website=וואלה! |language=he}}

Israeli Legislation: Kuperman cooperated with Israel's Ministry of Transportation on bettering the status of cancer patients and recognizing their unique needs.{{Cite news |last1=ליאור |first1=גד |date=7 April 2021 |title=הקלות לחולי סרטן: יוכלו לקבל פטור ממס הכנסה באופן דיגיטלי |language=he |website=ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/economy/article/HJuEP7sHu |access-date=4 July 2021}} She solicited the support of former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to support young cancer survivors.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Danny |date=2 August 2019 |title=New Israeli campaign gets stuck into cancer |url=https://shots.net/news/view/new-israeli-campaign-gets-stuck-into-cancer |website=shots |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=טויזר |first1=ענבר |date=27 June 2019 |title="מי יודע אם בכלל אגיע לגיל הפנסיה" |language=he |website=ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5537765,00.html |access-date=4 July 2021}}{{Cite web |title=ריבלין נפגש עם חולי סרטן צעירים במסגרת שבוע המודעות |url=https://maariv.co.il/news/health/Article-703869 |access-date=4 July 2021 |website=Maariv}} As part of her legislative efforts, Kuperman advocated a change in the manner in which the Israeli Government assists recovering cancer patients. She advocated for changes in the bureaucratic system in Israel, and raised the issue in Israeli legislator committees.https://fs.knesset.gov.il/24/Committees/24_ptv_621271.doc She called to amend the Israeli "Sal Shikum" (a governmental support program) so that it would target young cancer patients, involve professional workshops, and further assist in the return of patients to the workforce. Her advocacy affected the legislation and the program she advocated for in turn became an integral part of the National Insurance Institute of Israel.

Israel Mortgage Reform: Kuperman advocated for recognition of what she called the "enormous challenges" of young-adult cancer patients.{{Cite web |title=שנה חדשה בסימן ערבות הדדית: בכירי טיב טעם גייסו 151,275 ₪ ל"חלאסרטן" |url=https://maariv.co.il/business/Article-790716 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Maariv}} In Israel, 60% of young cancer survivors are not hired back to work. In addition, due to life insurance policies, young cancer survivors are not eligible for mortgage.{{Cite news |title=ניצח את הסרטן, הפסיד לחברת הביטוח: הסיפור המרגיז על המילואימניק שרצה לקחת משכנתא |work=TheMarker |url=https://www.themarker.com/markets/.premium-1.8534295?v=C46E0B17706492D1353E07B39D3E57B4 |access-date=4 July 2021}} Kuperman launched a national campaign to raise awareness and to change legislation. According to Kuperman, "those who recover are discriminated against by the state twice - they are no longer entitled to a disability allowance from the National Insurance Institution, nor are they eligible for a mortgage." Kuperman demanded for the status-quo to be amended, stating that "those who won this battle [of cancer] are entitled to return to the arena of the living." She joined hands with Israeli Knesset member Karine Elharrar to amend the legislation existed at the time. As a result, a new legislation was passed in the Israeli Knesset, forbidding refusal of mortgage to the disabled.

Activism for cancer survivors: In 2021 Kuperman wrote for the Israeli Globes Magazine regarding the state of affairs of cancer patients. She lamented the current situation of patients being "illogical and harmful," and wrote that Israel "must act to change it". She called young cancer patients the "transparent population", moreso due to Covid-19. She called for equal rights for cancer survivors in the workforce. Kuperman criticized the current treatment of young cancer patients, who are treated along elderly patients, as "absurd", due to the fundamental difference between the groups, beginning from their social status, their mental and emotional needs, and their hormonal and biological systems. Kuperman urged change and recognition for cancer patients in the young-adult category. She called for "decision makers and the healthcare system to adapt to the new world and recognize them and their unique needs as a separate category." According to The Lancet, "Social networks can be a powerful tool for oncologists to learn from their patients about what truly matters to them. At the challenging point of transitioning to survivorship, social digital media can be a platform to buffer this transition."

Creator of clinics: Kuperman established dedicated clinics in hospitals with large oncological centers for young adults.{{Cite journal |last=Farachdel |first=Liza |date=December 2020 |title=Meeting the Needs of Young People with Cancer |url=https://www.rambam.org.il/en/files/Rambam_EN/publications/ROC/ROC26_%20final_LR_2020_1.pdf |journal=Rambam on Call |volume=26}} She worked with the Rambam Hospital in Haifa, to establish a clinic dedicated to young-adult cancer patients.

Following the monitoring of the program at Rambam and Sheba hospitals, Kuperman also founded the young-adult oncology clinic at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-11 |title=לוגסי למען חלאסרטן - וואלה! כסף |url=https://finance.walla.co.il/item/3434806 |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=וואלה! |language=he}} Other clinics she helped established include the Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer{{Cite web |title=תוכנית לטיפול בחולי סרטן צעירים |url=https://cancer.sheba.co.il/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%92%D7%99%D7%94-%D7%A6%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D |access-date=4 July 2021 |website=Sheba Medical Center}} and the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.{{Cite web |title=מרפאת צעירים {{!}} שירותים מיוחדים למטופלי דוידוף {{!}} מרכז מידע למחלות הסרטן על שם מאיר ליזר |url=https://www.cancerinfo-davidoff.co.il/document/50,4601,26156.aspx |access-date=4 July 2021 |website=www.cancerinfo-davidoff.co.il}} The clinics serve as a fertile ground for international research in the field of oncology.{{Cite journal |last1=Peleg Nesher |first1=Sharon |last2=Luria |first2=Mijal |last3=Shachar |first3=Eliya |last4=Percik |first4=Ruth |last5=Shoshany |first5=Ohad |last6=Wolf |first6=Ido |date=2022-06-01 |title=Sexual dysfunction among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: diagnostic and therapeutic approach |journal=Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=83–91 |doi=10.1097/SPC.0000000000000595 |issn=1751-4266 |pmid=35639574|s2cid=249208905 |doi-access=free }}

Recognition and awards: In 2019 Kuperman launched a creative campaign raising awareness for the manner in which cancer "halts" the life of young-adults. The campaign, of international scope, included television and live performances "halting" for a few seconds in order to show solidarity with young cancer patients. Within the realm of advertising campaigns and guerilla marketing, the creativity of the campaign was lauded internationally.{{Cite web |last=COTW |date=5 August 2019 |title=Stop Cancer: The Cancer That Stuck Me {{!}} Campaigns of the world |url=https://campaignsoftheworld.com/digital/stop-cancer-the-cancer-that-stuck-me/|website=campaignsoftheworld.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Israel Stops in Its Tracks to Raise Awareness for Young Adult Cancer Patients {{!}} LBBOnline |url=https://www.lbbonline.com/news/israel-stops-in-its-tracks-to-raise-awareness-for-young-adult-cancer-patients |website=www.lbbonline.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Editorial |title=Israeli Cancer Patients Get Stuck Every Day |url=https://www.branding.news/2019/08/06/israeli-cancer-patients-get-stuck-every-day/ |access-date=16 February 2023|website=Branding.news |date=6 August 2019 |language=en-US}} In 2020, in recognition of its activities, the Halasartan Association was awarded the international Zusman-Joint Prize for excellence in the development of social services. The NGO was recognized for creating solutions for an international index of health systems known as "Unmet Needs for Health Care." According to the prize committee, the association "seeks to change the popular perception that cancer patients are the sole responsibility of medical professionals, providing a greater role for the community. This, in turn, helps the health care system improve its services." Kuperman won the prize for "Responding to Loneliness and Mental Health Issues arising from Social Distance and Isolation.”

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Category:Cancer awareness

Category:Living people

Category:1972 births