day twenty-six: i can read good too.

I first heard of Jack Andraka through my sister on kind of a long road trip. So I did cheat a bit and look up what he is all about. The guy is 15. Let's just let that sink on in. A 15 year old developed a dipstick similar to a pregnancy test that can sense a protein which is an indication of pancreatic cancer. As if his age or his invention weren't enough, it costs only 5 cents per test. Oh and add to that the kid said that if another researcher were to take his idea (he sent correspondence to 200 different professionals) he would be okay with that because and I quote "It was for the benefit of humankind." I mean.... Wow. 

Image source.

What a wonderful discovery to help treat a horrible form of cancer that strikes silently and suddenly. The only upsetting thing about the entire situation is that we have to wait years for it to go through all the red tape needed before it becomes available. Oh and that I'm sure that pretty little price tag of 5 cents will no longer exist. 
But let's just clap our hands a bit for Mr. Andraka. The Boy Wonder.  Tomorrow's post: I become a pen pal again and write to my readers!