2011 Kcancer Hero: Steven P Jobs
Posted Fri, 08/26/2011 – 21:35 by Kcancer
Steven P. Jobs, a cancer survivor, was elected 2011 Kcancer Hero for his significant contribution to computer technology.
Steve was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2003. Initially, the doctors told Steve that it was almost certainly an incurable type of cancer and that he should expect to live no more than six months. Doctors told Steve to go home and get his affairs in order, “which is doctor’s code for prepare to die,” says Steve. “It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you’d have the next ten years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.”
Further examination turned out that Steve had islet cell neuroendocrine, a very rare type of pancreatic cancer, which could be cured with surgery. Steve underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (or “Whipple procedure”) in July 2004 and the tumor was successfully removed. In January 5, 2009, Steve said that he had been suffering from a “hormone imbalance” for several months and announced a six-month leave of absence until the end of June 2009 to allow him to better focus on his health. In April 2009, Steve underwent a successful liver transplant at Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute in Memphis, Tennessee.
On August 28, 2008, Bloomberg mistakenly published a 2500-word obituary of Steve in its corporate news service, containing blank spaces for his age and cause of death. Although the error was promptly rectified, many news carriers and blogs reported on it. Steve responded by quoting Mark Twain: “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”.
Battling cancer, Steve led an innovative team and developed iPod and iPhone. On January 27, 2010, more than 7 years of his cancer diagnosis, Steve unveiled the Apple’s newest product, iPad.
As a cancer survivor, Steve work continuously to create innovative products which transform ways of our life and improve quality of our life. He is certainly a hero and model for all, particularly for cancer patients.
Anthony Hu, MD, PhD
CEO
Kcancer Inc