Winner
Kristin Hallenga
Summary of work
After finding a lump at 22, living abroad in China for 8 months and eventually visiting her doctor 3 times, Kristin was told the news that she had incurable breast cancer. Within just one month of her diagnosis and at the age of 23, along with her twin sister Maren, Kristin founded CoppaFeel! to inform young people that breast cancer doesn’t just affect women over 50 and educate them on how they can look after themselves, so that cancer can be caught early.
Although Kristin will always live with cancer, she wanted to get the message out there to young people that catching cancer early means you have a higher chance of surviving and recovering. She wanted people to learn from her story and become pro-active about their own health. The idea for CoppaFeel! was born.
Judges’ comments
The judges were impressed at how Kristin has moved beyond her own situation to create a movement, highlighting a much-needed issue within a demographic that is under-targeted, using practical tools and novel technology. She is truly inspirational and has made a massive positive difference to perceptions and understandings of cancer, helping to get the conversation started in all walks of life. Brilliant advocate and communicator.
