Portfolio / Jimmy O'Hara

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Jimmy O'Hara

Word weaver and editorial professional covering science, music & impact.

Science

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ASCO Connection • 9th March 2023

Mapping the Global Reach of Donor-Funded Research

Since 1984, ASCO and Conquer Cancer have provided more than 2,600 grants and awards to researchers domestically and internationally, with 80 countries represented by recipients. Meet a few of many investigators around the globe whose vital work is accelerating research for patients with cancer.

ASCO Connection • 9th March 2023

Dr. Luis Rojas Puentes on Leveraging Immunity to Help Treat Patients With HPV and Lung Cancer

In Colombia, lung cancer is among the most frequent types of cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in patients with male sex characteristics. Here, patients often present with additional diseases that are linked to lung cancer diagnoses, including human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite the harmful effects and negative reputation of HPV, the infection could help doctors more effectively guide the course of care for patients with certain types of lung cancers.

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ASCO Connection • 9th March 2023

Conquer Cancer Grant Recipients Bring Research IDEAs to LIFe

An eager group of oncologists from around the world enters the ASCO Annual Meeting for the first time. The oncologists—recipients of the International Development and Education Award (IDEA) from ASCO and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation—belong to this global community of the brightest minds in cancer research. Each of them shares a vision to advance research and care for patients in their home country.

Conquer Cancer • 18th January 2023

Dr. Aba Scott on Improving Radiotherapy for Patients with Cervical Cancer in Ghana

In Ghana, cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, and the second cause of all cancer deaths. The rise of three-dimensional (3D) radiotherapy presents a promising and more effective approach for patients, but access to this treatment advancement in Ghana is limited. Dr. Scott, of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, stands ready to help.

ASCO Connection • 18th January 2023

Dr. Stacey A. Cohen Studies Genetic, Environmental Factors in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults and Black communities. Researching the influence of genetics and environmental exposure in colorectal cancer is vital to advancing personalized treatment and care for high-risk populations.

ASCO Daily News • 1st December 2022

Patients With Cancer Face Financial Hardship. Dr. Veena Shankaran is Determined to Address This.

Research focused on the financial burdens facing patients with colorectal cancer is helping oncologists mitigate financial toxicity more effectively across the cancer care continuum.

ASCO Connection • 7th November 2022

Dr. Clement Dove Okello on Improving Treatment Response for Patients With HIV-Associated Lymphoma

In Uganda, a 63-year-old patient with HIV-associated lymphoma needs nuanced care. This aggressive disease combination does not yet have an effective solution, and can be especially toxic for patients in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV is prevalent and oncologic resources are limited.

ASCO Daily News • 22nd June 2022

Dr. Stephanie Markovina Targets a Tumor-Protective SCCA1 Protein in Cervical Cancer

Targeting the tumor-protective effects of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA1) using tissue microarrays (TMA) and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout strategies is helping researchers reduce therapeutic resistance and personalize new treatments for patients with cervical cancer.

Music

Background Noise • 25th July 2022

Astronox Music & Arts Gathering: Reflections On The Impressive 2021 Event and A Promising Look Forward to 2022

Tucked away within the Texas drylands an hour west of Austin, the second edition of Astronox unfolded its festive wings. Since its inception in 2019, the multi-day gathering provides an imaginative space for communities drawn to the niche realms of downtempo, world, glitch hop, psydub and psybient. Nick Sumbles, the festival’s founder, strives to showcase the narrative-driven side of electronica.

Background Noise • 23rd May 2022

Sol Fest Launches Successful, Meaningful First-Year Memorial Event In Loving Celebration of Life

Stacie Parsons could spend lifetimes writing about her late son, Quentin ‘Sol’ Rupp. He was her everything. Stacie recalls Quentin – the individual after whom the inaugural Sol Fest is named – imagined death like a light going out, a seamless parting of ways with the body in this cosmos where love, like matter and energy, is never truly gone.

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Background Noise • 20th March 2022

Artist Profile: ENiGMA Dubz

A 14-year-old cello student, James Vine aka ENiGMA Dubz, is walking home from his classical performance when his relationship with music is forever changed. He pauses outside a pulsating nightclub at city center, admiring the bone-rattling bass. In an instant, the seeds of ENiGMA Dubz take root as James’ lifelong love for music sprouts in a hundred new directions.

Background Noise • 12th October 2021

Sound Haven 2021 Marks Pivotal Inflection Point for U.S. Bass Music Scene

The third Sound Haven platformed a plethora of multifaceted audiovisual artists on a major scale. Read onward to revisit highlights from the four-day event and learn about Sacred Hive founder Jered Ardry’s promising vision for the festival’s future.

Podcasts

Conquer Cancer • 20th January 2023

"It's Treatable"

Lillian Kreppel had to advocate for herself and seek a second opinion before receiving a delayed diagnosis: HPV-related stage II anal cancer. Now a survivor, Lillian leads the HPV Cancers Alliance, an advocacy organization she co-founded to help improve HPV education for patients, providers, and the public. She shares key lessons for patients navigating screening and treatment, debunks stigmas and myths surrounding HPV, and highlights the importance of patient advocacy and donor-funded research.

Conquer Cancer • 21st October 2022

The DESTINY of Breast Cancer Care

Dr. Shanu Modi led DESTINY-Breast04, a groundbreaking study that resulted in FDA approval of a promising treatment for nearly 50% of all patients with metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Modi discusses the importance of patient participation in clinical trials, the necessity of donor-funded research, and the bright future of breast cancer care.

Conquer Cancer • 16th September 2022

Learning How Language Saves Lives

Before Dr. Jenny Ruiz became a pediatric oncologist, her first experience with kids and cancer came when a younger cousin was diagnosed with leukemia. Dr. Ruiz became a translator for her family, most of whom speak Spanish as a first language; her cousin’s doctor spoke English. This showed her how life-threatening language barriers can be when patients and families with limited English proficiency must navigate cancer care.

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Cancer.Net • 21st September 2021

Promoting Inclusion for LGBTQ+ People With Cancer

In the Your Stories episode "Making Advocacy Count," Dr. Don Dizon speaks with Scout, MA, PhD, executive director of the National LGBT Cancer Network, about the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ people with cancer.

Experience

Published bylines in ASCO Connection, Cancer.Net, and ASCO Daily News
Managed annual nonprofit/brand editorial takeover in ASCO Connection magazine
Originated more than 25 researcher spotlights for nonprofit website (CONQUER.ORG)
Monthly production of nonprofit brand podcast: "Your Stories: Conquering Cancer"
Press Pass for Sol Fest Music & Arts Festival (2022) and Sound Haven (2022)
Independent coverage of multiple festivals, including Astronox Music & Arts Gathering
Crafted musician profiles for ENiGMA Dubz, Vandull, Kozee, Teffa, LitaLotus and more
Led editorial coverage of three podcast mini-series by American Grime Records