**New App Aims to Simplify Cancer Care for Patients and Caregivers**
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In an inspiring merge of personal experience and technological innovation, two Connecticut teenagers have created an app designed to assist cancer patients and their caregivers. Soothe Note, co-founded by 18-year-olds Brynn Forlizzi and Teddy Aaron, aims to address the often overwhelming complexities associated with cancer treatment.
The genesis of the application can be traced to Brynn’s own journey with cancer, which began when she was diagnosed with germ cell ovarian cancer as a high school freshman in December 2024. After initial treatment, which included surgery and chemotherapy, Brynn found herself cancer-free. However, her battle continued as the illness returned during her junior year. After additional treatment, she recently celebrated ten months of being in remission.
Teddy, on the other hand, has experienced the impact of cancer from the perspective of a caregiver. His mother has been living with ovarian cancer since Teddy was just eight years old, and she is currently in hospice care. The challenges Teddy faced throughout his mother’s illness prompted him to seek solutions that could improve the experience for both patients and caregivers. “I’ve seen cancer through a different type of lens my whole life,” he stated, reflecting on the broader perspective he gained from witnessing his mother’s battle with the disease.
The need for a streamlined approach became apparent to Teddy as he navigated the complexities of caregiving. Despite his efforts to find existing platforms tailored to the needs of patients and caregivers, he found a lack of resources that truly bridged the gap. This prompted him to take matters into his own hands and develop Soothe Note.
Teddy reached out to Brynn, whose firsthand experience with cancer treatment provided invaluable insights into what features and functionalities should be included in the app. The two friends began collaborating on the project, developing a platform that they hope will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Soothe Note is designed as a user-friendly interface catering to both patients and caregivers. Available for free on iOS, with an Android version in the pipeline, the app facilitates tracking of symptoms, medications, and appointments, along with providing tools for caregivers. Its creators describe Soothe Note as a “calm cancer care tracking app” aimed at reducing the chaos often associated with cancer management.
Brynn highlighted the emotional and logistical challenges cancer patients face. Even though she is in remission, she continues to attend appointments, which often disrupt her school schedule. “Managing the mental and emotional stress of appointments is exhausting,” she said, emphasising the impact this has on her life. Teddy echoed these sentiments, noting that caregivers often grapple with their own mental health struggles while managing the responsibilities of caregiving.
With the launch of the app, Teddy has chosen to publicly share his family’s experience with cancer for the first time. Initially hesitating out of respect for his mother’s privacy, he realised that by making their story known, he could provide comfort and support to others in similar situations. “I want other young people to know they aren’t alone in caring for someone with cancer,” he explained.
For Brynn, the primary goal of Soothe Note is to dismantle the perception that a person’s identity is solely defined by their cancer journey. “You are so much more than having cancer or fighting cancer,” she remarked. “Soothe Note helps to break down that misconception by highlighting individuals as well-rounded people with diverse characteristics beyond their illness.”
Importantly, the app is entirely free to use and remains committed to this principle. Teddy stated, “You can’t put a paywall on cancer,” underscoring their belief that cancer care should be accessible to all.
The collaboration between Brynn and Teddy illustrates how shared experiences can lead to transformative innovations. With Soothe Note, they aim not just to provide practical support, but also to foster a sense of community and understanding among individuals navigating the complexities of cancer. As they continue to develop their platform, they hope it will serve as a valuable resource for patients and caregivers alike.