Friday 26 May 2017

We Are The World … In Darkness, Be Light … #3



My story this time comes from Mexico … Monterrey and Mexico City … highlighting a teenage son and his mother …



Julian Rios Cantu has recently hit the headlines through inventing a prototype bra … eliminating the need for a mammogram …



… the bra will detect cancer very early, by noticing the changes, particularly abnormal temperature, occurring in the breast. 

Here Julian is with Richard Branson - having won
his award - c/o Higia Technologies

I’m not explaining this very well … but please read up about him.


He was determined to help his mother, and all mothers with (potential) breast cancer …





Apart from his dedication to overcome his dyslexia by studying obsessively, which then enabled him to better understand science – he became top of the class with interests in technology and robots.


He is inspirational … his motto on (that dreaded birdie thing!) twitter is:

“Stop Thinking.
Stop Pondering.
Stop Strategising.
Stop Debating.
GO     DO.”


Monterrey, Mexico where the
company is based.


The family are practical … but you do need to read his story – definitely worth it … totally admirable.





His mother still works to feed her family – Julian and his twin sister, Daniela – while having cancer medication and chemo …


The prototype bra 

Julian has set up a company Higia Technologies with three of his smartest friends!  This includes a brief introductory video … please listen …






It also notes some statistics … one of which is that over 1,700,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year … check the website – it is before you get to the video.


Let us take stock … GO DO …
        … and then help others to GO DO …

We Are The World … In Darkness, Be Light

Your lead co-hosts this time are: 











Emily Bloomquist - Her Life in Ecuador ... is a new participant this month ... so please join us via the sign up form on her blog ... 


After the terrible tragic happening in Manchester this week – my heart goes out to all the families of those affected … please read Damyanti’s post:


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

80 comments:

Juliet said...

It's always inspiring to read about young people being so creative, and with such practical application as well.

Elephant's Child said...

Definitely inspirational. Thank you so much.
On dark days (and some of the days have been very, very dark) it is easy to let light like his disappear. I am so grateful you are showcasing positivity.

Gattina said...

It would be too nice if this bra works ! Would help a lot of women !

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

Anyone who can invent a way to eliminate the antiquated mammogram is my hero! Excellent and heart-warming good news story, Hilary.

http://poetryfromthelanai.blogspot.com/2017/05/watwb-memorial-day-tribute.html

Fil said...

What a fantastic young man and what a fantastic invention. No wonder he won the top prize.
I love the way you've laid out your post Hilary - I'm taking notes for the next time lol
Fil's Place

Unknown said...

Hi Hilary. Very different post! I rarely wear a bra, my breasts are small and its often just too hot to wear any unnecessary clothing.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I am sure that much more work needs to be done on this science but, WOW, if this truly works, imagine how many women's lives will be saved.

Patsy said...

That sounds like a potentially very useful invention, especially as early detection seems to be one of the biggest factors in combating cancer.

Deborah Weber said...

What an inspiring story. It's so exciting to see the passion and commitment and inspired action of young people. What a massive impact this technology and innovation could have.

Liz A. said...

Great idea. I fear, though, that it's something I won't ever be able to use, as sizing is always a concern. The best ideas are usually outside my availability.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Who would've even thought to invent that? Amazing young man to overcome challenges and make it happen.

Ally Bean said...

That's amazing. Who'd have thought such a thing could exist? Love this.

mail4rosey said...

Early detection can be so beneficial. Hurrah to him for thinking outside of the box! And kudos to his mom too, for being so strong during her time of need, and a definite inspiration to her family.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Juliet – I was amazed to read about Julian and his achievements – so glad you appreciated his work.

@ EC – isn’t he inspirational … yes dark days are around, but light and hope shine through and Julian embodies those … I like spreading positivity.

@ Gattina – it certain will help many women …

@ Gail – oh I agree … it’s an uncomfortable procedure to go through … and I’m sure it will work … there’ll be lots of encouragement for him and his design now …

@ Fil – yes he does appear to have lots of courage and chutzpah … but with a brilliant idea that’s coming to fruition.

Thanks re the layout – it’s made up usually as I go along! But am glad you enjoyed the colours etc …

@ Kim – yes probably a different post – I tend to go that route. I wouldn’t wear a bra if I didn’t need one … so consider yourself very lucky!

@ Arleen – I’m sure there’s still a lot to be done and it’s in proto-type form at the moment … but wow wouldn’t it make such a difference if it works …

@ Patsy – yes early detection is critical in combating cancer … so let’s hope it turns into a great success story …

@ Deborah – it could be a game changer couldn’t it … but it was for Julian as he adjusted his life and now doesn’t waste time … such an inspiration …

@ Liz – great idea … I agree. I suspect if it is success they’ll make adjustable bras – the ‘units’ only need to be worn for about 90 minutes every day … so I’m sure they’ll factor breast size in … let’s hope so …

@ Alex – it is extraordinary isn’t it … and as you say he did overcome a lot of challenges and made it happen …

@ Ally – I was surprised when I read about the invention and thought this is great for WATB … so here tis! It’s great the word gets out via the blog and FB …

@ Rosey – as you say he’s thinking outside the box – and together as a family they are doing all they can to bring this invention to a successful outcome.

Rightly pointing out that his mother is setting the example for her children to follow –and he’s drawn from her illness, but from her strength too, to inspire him on …

Thanks so much to you all – just so happy his invention is getting a few extra reads … and the word can get out … cheers and have peaceful and happy weekends, Memorial, normal or as here Spring bank holiday - Hilary

Eddie Bluelights said...

What a remarkable fellow. Pity my dear Maria did not know of him . . . :)

Suzanne Furness said...

Wow, what a great story, Hilary and an inspirational man. I hadn't heard about this but it sounds like a great idea. My mother had breast cancer so something that is close to my heart.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

What an amazing young man and invention.

Janie Junebug said...

What a brilliant idea for a bra. At first glance I thought Richard Branson was his mother. Had to look again.

Love,
Janie

Emily in Ecuador said...

Wow Hilary - thank you for the kind mention!

What this young man has invented may change the course of breast cancer. If enough women can these bras, early detection would become the norm. Thanks for sharing such a great story!

Emily | My Life In Ecuador

Mark said...

All good causes:) Neat pick of "Big Daddy" too. A cousin of mine used to work for him at Virgin.

Rhodesia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rhodesia said...

Sorry finger problems!!!
Wow what an inspiration from a young guy who obviously has his mother and sister in mind. I am off to read more about him now.
Have a great weekend Hilary and take care. Diane

BWitzenhausen said...

Wow, what an inspirational and intelligent young man. Think of all the people he will be able to help with this. Sure we will be hearing more about him in the future. Thanks so much for sharing! #WATWB
Belinda Witzenhausen~Writer, Creativity Coach & Artist

A Heron's View said...

Isn't that so absolutely and utterly amazing!
Then may be soon the mammogram distress machines can be discarded.

A close friend of mine said that she would very much like it that every man would have a similar process carried out on his genitals. In order to bring about a new design.

Rhonda Albom said...

What a fantastic idea and well deserving of the Global Student Entrepreneur Award. I would like to think that this will be a game changer in the fight against breast cancer.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

What an amazing, inspiring young man. His mother must be so proud and touched by his project. I hope he saves lots of lives.

Debbie D. said...

What a wonderful idea from an inspiring young man! Thanks for sharing this story, Hilary. Breast cancer affects so many. This blogfest is truly uplifting. Cheers!

Lenny Lee said...

wow!how cool is that! he's changing the whole world for women. for sure it's important to find breast cancer early and now it can be done just by wearing a special bra once a week. amazing! he had a vision and went after it. cool dude!
¡fantástico!

M. Denise C. said...

Wow! Hilary, Thank you for such inspiration. There is hope for our world yet!

DMS said...

Wow! This post was enlightening. I had no idea about the work that was being done. Excellent news! :)
~Jess

Nilanjana Bose said...

How creative and inspirational! Kudos for the young man and thank you for highlighting his work.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Eddie – yes I know so many lost loves up to now … and sadly there always will be – disease can be so difficult to combat – I feel for you and your Maria … let’s hope this invention helps many others not need to go through what you’ve been through …

@ Suzanne – I’m sure many of us have had relatives and friends who have had breast cancer … like your mother – I’m grateful it doesn’t appear to run in our family …

@ Diane – isn’t Julian quite extraordinary …

@ Janie – yes I didn’t elaborate too much but hoped Richard Branson was well enough known to be himself …

@ Emily – pleasure … as I’d had your notice through I thought I’d mention you’d recently joined the WATWBlogfest.

It looks like this invention will come to fruition and I expect other ideas/inventions will spin off from it … helping so many women with breast cancer and other cancers …

@ Mark – yes a very good cause. Lucky cousin ... I imagine having the opportunity to work with Branson and see what goes on at Virgin would be very interesting …

@ Diane – no worries … Julian had obviously been involved with his mother’s cancer to take on board what might be done – so even as a teenager, he was able to be positive and think forward – I’m glad you looked at the video etc …

@ Belinda – he does appear to have invented something quite extraordinary and so helpful to women in the future … and you’re right we will be hearing more about him.

@ Mel – exactly … absolutely amazing … and perhaps the dreaded mammogram machines can be discarded – let’s hope so. You’re right so often we women think if men had to go through this … they’d never accept it and invent something new?!

@ Rhonda – yes he definitely warranted his Global Student Entrepreneur Award. I certainly hope your suggestion is right and this will be a game changer in the fight against breast cancer.

@ Susan – I’m sure his mother and sister are proud of his achievements and that the bra and its concepts will save lots of lives.

@ Debbie – doesn’t breast cancer affect so many and Julian is certainly inspiring. I agree the blogfest is uplifting and highlighting so many wonderful ‘happening’s …

@ Lenny – good to see you … I know ... Julian seems to have come up with an intelligent design … the sensors in the bra are worn for about 90 minutes each day … and the readings are sent via an app to be analysed. As you say … Cool Dude!! Fantastico … it could well be a fantastic help to so many women …

@ Denise – I’m sure his inspirational work with his friends will encourage others that studying does help – there is hope for our world … so true …

@ Jess – I only read up about it last weekend and felt I had to write about it for the WATWBlogfest – bringing the news to brilliant bloggers within this large group …

@ Nila – as you say so creative and inspirational … and exactly –he had belief in himself and his ideas and was supported by his mentor and his friends …

Thanks so much - it’s good to see so many of you here – who now know a little about Julian’s work … and will follow his route to market – I certainly hope it will help so many … cheers and have peaceful weekends - Hilary

Unknown said...

I'd read briefly about that, thinking what an amazing invention. But I didn't realise quite how amazing the man was, not know his personal background. Yes, there is hope when such inventiveness and perseverance exists!

Susan Scott said...

Wow that is some story Hilary thank you! So clever - I like the name EVA! What an inspirational young man ... great post!

bazza said...

How very inspirational. "“Opportunity does not knock. It presents itself when you beat down the door” (Kyle Chandler). Mrs Bazza is devoted to Rigby and Peller. I wonder if they would take this idea up!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s inaniloquent Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

FinnBadger said...

An amazing, and as you wrote, inspirational, young man. Thanks for highlighting his story.

Joanne said...

Go Do. Excellent motto for a scientist. I admire folks who don't take no for an answer. I'm sure there were a lot of hard days trying to get everything to work.
and in regards to Manchester - so sad, so needless.....oh this world

take care and thanks for this post

bookworm said...

Two young men. One, inspired by his mother, invents something that may save lives, and inspires us all. The other, walks around with hate until the night he blows himself up and removes 20 innocents from our world. I ask myself almost daily, who are we, and how will we be judged? The Unknown Journey Ahead agingonthespectrum.blogspot.com

A Cuban In London said...

Such an inspiring young person. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Anabel Marsh said...

Wow, what a brilliant young man! Truly inspiring.

Tyrean Martinson said...

That is so awesome!!! I hope that cancer-detecting bra hits the market soon.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Curtis – oh good, I’m glad you seen about this proto-type bra – and that now you’ve noted a little more about Julian Rios Cantu – and his achievements from a kid to this young man. Exactly we need to encourage inventiveness and perseverance …

@ Susan – it is a great story isn’t and EVA is a great brand name … as too Higia for health and healing from the Greek and Roman.

@ Bazza – yes I think Chandler’s phrase fits Julian’s invention. I had to look up Rigby and Peller … now I know and I’m sure they may well be interested … it’s still in proto-type form … but with Branson and other entrepreneurial giants I’m sure Julian’s invention will take off …

@ Phillip – absolutely inspirational … glad you appreciated his story …

@ Joanne – yes GO DO. I think the kids, as they were, worked incredibly hard to achieve and produce this invention … and they had an encouraging mentor.

Manchester is desperately sad … the positive comes through –the community is really pulling together …

@ Bookworm – I know how does humanity get to two different points in their lives … life is for living for oneself and for others … giving back and loving –no hate …

@ ACIL – he is inspirational isn’t he …

@ Anabel – thank you … he gives us hope …

@ Tyrean – I quite agree – awesome is the word … I too hope the proto-type becomes available very soon …

Thanks so much for visiting … Julian has given us all hope for our youngsters and encouragement that advances to help others through science can be made. Cheers Hilary

Dahlia said...

Thank you Hilary for sharing this positive news - good to know there are people who are working tirelessly overcoming all odds to relieve the pain and suffering of others.

Computer Tutor said...

Well isn't that amazing? I've seen that scientists have come up with a device that 'sniffs' out cancer (like a dog might do). This is yet one more advance. Thanks for sharing this, Hilary.

Vallypee said...

What an amazing young man! I hope he wins a nobel prize for this, not only a business award. A fantastic story, Hilary! Thank you for telling us about it!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Dahlia - it's a wonderful story isn't it ... and yes we never know who will start giving us amazing ideas ... especially in relation to women's health ...

@ Jacqui - I was so fascinated when I read up about his idea and how he'd worked up to his proto-type bra ... and yes I've read that dogs sniff out cancer, and possibly even we can ... but we now seem to be able to harness and research more into these ideas ...

@ Val - yes - if it all comes off i.e. it gets to market, he will be a scientist of note - it's so good to hear of stories like this from all parts of the world ..

Cheers to you three - have peaceful weeks - Hilary

Michelle Wallace said...

What an amazing young man...and a good role model for his generation!
Considering he is so young, he has a fantastic motto, which highlights his driven attitude and mindset:
“Stop Thinking.
Stop Pondering.
Stop Strategising.
Stop Debating.
GO DO.”
I love it!

Kelly Hashway said...

What an inspirational young man!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Love his motivation and dedication to helping women. More power to him! Thanks for sharing this story (and for visiting my blog)!

Keith's Ramblings said...

What an amazing young man. He'll go far I'm sure.

My Friend Rosey strikes again!

Lynn Hallbrooks said...

Hilary, thank you for sharing about this young scientist. I truly hope that EVA will be able to do all the things he and his colleagues believe it will. Thanks also for being a part of #WATWB

PJ said...

This sounds incredible and what an amazing young man. It always amazes me how clever people can be and how great it is when they use their brains for such worthwhile reasons. Thanks for sharing.
Pamela @ Days of Fun

Karen Lange said...

Now there's a very good idea. Thank you for sharing about it. So sorry about the tragedy in Manchester. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Appreciate you sharing the link for Damyanti's post.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Michelle - I just thought it was an extraordinary story and am so glad you picked up his amazing motto ... I love it ...

@ Ashelyn - isn't he an amazing youg man ...

@ Mary - yes ... Julian seems to have completely the right attitude and I agree about the 'more power to him'. Good to see you here ...

@ Keith - I agree .. it looks like he's on a path to being a very knowledgeable scientist ...

@ Lynn - so glad you enjoyed reading up about him; I agree I hope EVA will fulfil his dreams and thus help so many women

@ Pam - yes he certainly let his brain do the talking for him ... so glad he stepped out of his lethargy and troublesome dyslexia - so he could inspire us all ...

@ Karen - the system within the bra does seem to be so clever and will help many women. Manchester was so sad - but Damyanti's post expressed the situation so well ...

Thanks everyone - so good to see you ... cheers Hilary

Sylvia said...

what an inspiring story, and what a great young man. I am in awe.

H.R. Bennett said...

Holy...that's a hell of an invention. I'm gonna have to read up further on this one. Thank you.

Murees Dupè said...

Julian is an amazing and intelligent young man. That invention can save so many lives. Cancers is such an awful disease. It needs to be put in it's place. This is a brilliant blog hop.

cleemckenzie said...

At last some good news about our youth. I'm so glad you posted this because I was woefully unaware of him or what he accomplished. Thanks so much Hilary.

Indywrites said...

That is a truly inspirational story. And that bra can make such a difference to many lives.
Thank you so much! Team #WATWB
*Inderpreet/EloquentArticulation*

Indywrites said...

Also, could you check... I could not find the sharing buttons. Thanks.

Jeff Hargett said...

What a novel approach. Out of the mouths of babes, right? Creative ingenuity in the young is nigh unparalleled.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

What a remarkable young man. His family must be very proud of him.

Inger said...

This took my breath away, what a remarkable young man. As a breast cancer survivor, I really hope the bra will work for women everywhere. Early detection is so key here and his bra would support that. Thanks for sharing and even more, thanks for caring.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sylvia – yes I think we are all in awe –enterprising isn’t he …

@ Robert – I know he is some kind of lad – and that’s excellent you’ll find out more …

@ Murees – I agree the blog hop is really useful and encouraging as we learn about things from around the world. This invention is just extraordinary … I feel he has a winner on his hands … and as you say cancer is too terrible …

@ Lee – we need these extraordinary intelligent youngsters to come to the fore … so I’m just glad I posted about Julian and his invention …

@ Indy – good to see you … the bra should make a lot of difference to people’s lives …

I’m afraid there is no sharing button on my blog …

@ Jeff – yes he certainly was thinking long and hard when he found out about his mother … and worked out what needed to be done … creative ingenuity is absolutely right …

@ Susan – I’m sure his family and his school are exceedingly proud of him and his classmate helpers … he has certainly put Mexico and Monterrey on the map with his prototype …

@ Inger – so many have suffered breast cancer … but as you mention the experience must be so difficult and the outcome so uncertain. You will know the challenges women face and as we now realise early detection of a cancer is the key to survival. It’s good I’ve shared something that affects most families in the world.

Cheers to you all – and I’m so glad you’re all aware now of Julian’s invention and possibilities of what can be invented to help others … Hilary

Shilpa Garg said...

Wow! That's a great idea and the young man is so inspiring. His invention can make a difference in so many lives. Kudos to him and wishing him all the very best. Thanks for sharing about Julian, Hillary!!

Anonymous said...

That dreaded birdie thingy. That's awesome and it made me laugh.

Julian truly is inspirational. What an amazing story he has. He has the potential to change lives. Outstanding! Thanks for sharing his story with us.

Elsie

Deborah Barker said...

Finding that lump is a strange experience. Is it really there? What will it mean? Life suddenly becomes so precious, so transitory. A million thoughts tumble round your head. Say nothing to anyone until you are sure...don't worry them, you are on holiday, get home and take a trip to the Doctor, be referred to the clinic...fast tracked because they care. Oh the joy of finding it is a cyst, a harmless cyst. That, was my experience. My heart goes out to those who do not get that lucky escape. How wonderful of Julian to struggle through his own setbacks and create this.
Manchester: Words fail me but yes, we are all mothers of this world in one way or another. That little girl's photo haunted me too, just one of so many.

Sherry Ellis said...

That is inspirational. I wonder exactly how it works and how it detects abnormalities. Good for Julian to use adversity to create something positive.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Shilpa - he's an amazing man isn't he ... I'm glad you now know about him and his invention ...

@ Elsie - I thought well I can't manage 'that birdie thing' so it has to go in ... glad you got a laugh though. He certainly seems to have inspired many and let's hope he goes on to achieve so much in his life ... the bra is a very good start.

@ Deborah - Yes the straw pull of life - some so sadly have the bad part, others like you count their/your blessings ... life is a lottery in many ways. Let's hope this prototype gives many women and men some advantages and helps them through to live on.

Manchester was awful ... now Kabul ... such unnecessary horror - just incomprehensible ...

@ Sherry - there were some further details in the links I've given ... yes a good point he decided to pull himself up and help himself first, and then others through the invention ...

Thanks so much for visiting ... Julian really has drawn positive ideas out of his mother's adversity ... let there be light ... cheers to you all - Hilary

C.D. Gallant-King said...

It always blows my mind when people come up with such seemingly off-the-wall and yet perfectly sensible ideas. Why not adapt an article of clothing that you wear every day to detect dangerous changes happening in your body? A few years ago the technology for such a thing probably didn't exist, but since it does, why not take advantage of it?

very cool stuff.

Lynn said...

Oh my goodness - what wonderful work that young man is doing.

Trisha said...

This guy is amazing - what a great idea! I hope to see these bras accessible to everyone sometime soon.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Hilary :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ CD - exactly what is so obvious and in front of us takes a bright spark to design something so sensible . You're right though the technology only became available recently... but at least now we are utilising lots more of these technologies for good developments.

@ Lynn - he is extraordinary isn't he ...

@ Trisha - I think many of us hope that this bra comes into the market place soon ...

Cheers to you three ... he's some bright lad is Julian - here's to him and his technological developments ... Hilary

Blogoratti said...

Wonderful really, to say the least. Life is filled with so much more when we go outside our comfort zone. Thanks for sharing.

Many thanks for stopping by, it was nice of you. Warm greetings!

Marja said...

What a delightful young man with the right attitude and much more than that; being on a mission to make the world a better place. A great invention which will be so welcome.
Nice to see some light in the darkness.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Blogoratti - it is fascinating isn't to learn of Julian's invention and to know it happened in Mexico ... delighted you enjoyed it. Pleasure to see you blogging again.

@ Marja - I sincerely hope his prototype will make it all the way through and help many women (and probably a few men) diagnose their breast cancers early and thus help them through those early important stages.

Glad you picked up on the "let there be light in the darkness" ...

Lovely to see - have happy weekends - cheers Hilary

simonfalk28 said...

Thanks for sharing this, Hilary. We have all known too many people with breast cancer. Anything that can help, while giving minimal disruption to the person's life, is especially laudable. That Julian is also living with dyslexia further increases my wonder in this story. I've known others who were so disadvantaged early in life due to dyslexia. Good for Julian Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks Simon - it seemed such a brilliant idea and coming from a youngster, who struggled with school, but yet had the realisation and empathy he needed to help his mother and other women, let alone the dyslexia - he pushed on and has really excelled - an entrepreneurial scientist ... Cheers Hilary

Becca said...

I had heard about this bra before. It's amazing that a teenager is coming up with better ideas than professional adult researchers!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Becca - I found this story to be amazing ... and inspiring at how hard he worked to overcome his own difficulties and then help his mother via the development of the bra - I certainly hope it works for him - he had good mentors to help him ... good to see you - cheers Hilary