“Real Time Content” Introduces a Pilot Program for Cancer Patients, Caregivers and Medical Professionals

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In March, 2012 Randall-Reilly announced the launch of Real Time Content (RTC) a data-driven customized approach to deliver personalized marketing video. It was launched as a way for businesses to scale or grow by connecting with more prospects or clients via an actual person set in a virtual presenter experience. (Editor's Note: To see a demo of Real Time Content, click here).

At that time, Dave Schwartz, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, was quoted as saying, "We believe the virtual presenter concept will be applied in ways we've just begun to imagine. Our customers are smart; they will show us what's next as we continually evolve and improve our unparalleled virtual presenter tool."

And that's just what was set in motion when Dave Schwartz shared the concept of RTC with Jake Chaya of CAT Auction Services two years earlier. Although the time wasn't right for them to work together, Chaya kept thinking about RTC and other applications it might have.

When Chaya's world was turned upside down, it wasn't long before his thoughts returned to RTC. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma in February, 2011. "Initially I was devastated and couldn't think straight.  Am I going to die? Is my will in order?" he explains.

Chaya's wife, Beth was his caregiver. She found it overwhelming to source information on the web and to interpret what was meaningful and relevant. She got discouraged, but continued trying to help her husband by reaching out to other people.

By April 2011, Chaya was in intensive care with a global infection. When he came out, he hungered for information. He was dealing with uncertainty about his career, family and finances. He felt that he was seen as damaged goods and that his identity was slipping away.

As he went through the experience, he realized the need for connection and information, for himself, but ultimately for others. This is when Chaya's thoughts returned to RTC. He realized it might be just the platform to offer support for people dealing with cancer.

Chaya envisioned an interactive care coach, supported by virtual interactive video and a document library. The virtual presenters would be a network of professionals providing personalized platforms to address the life issues facing survivors and caregivers.

He approached his oncologist, who thought it was a great idea, sharing that there are now 11 million cancer survivors, and support for them is not keeping up. 62% of all cancer survivors will live 5 years or longer. Their biggest fear is "cancer coming back." He confirmed the need for information and professional help to care for these people.

Chaya called Schwartz at RTC to share his idea, explaining, "what we really need to do is help people regain hope."  He explained that RTC could create a unique tool to provide hope and help create a positive lifestyle for survivors' futures. 

Schwartz not only agreed to it, but immediately pulled together a team to get started. "We were excited by the challenge and the fact that we could demonstrate the flexibility of the technology," he explains. RTC created a proof of concept at no cost to Chaya and the White Dove Foundation, the non-profit foundation he co-founded in 1997. RTC has also agreed to maintain the platform, called BridgePaths at http://bpvideo.whitedovefoundation.org

"The BridgePaths platform will help people make informed decisions. It's a new approach to holistic healthcare. We'll be able to provide trusted information and trusted advisors, from professionals with both capability and character," says Chaya.

Bridgepaths will give the cancer survivor hope by providing one easy source to go to for an online guide and information, and providing a network of professionals from many advisory services if the survivor wishes to engage them. The care coach is met by the survivor/caregiver and is directed to videos and information online. 

If the survivor/caregiver determines they need to meet with specialists and professional advisors, a network of professional advisors/organizations will be available. In fact, upon request, the survivor/caregiver is automatically connected with registered professionals in their local market for immediate, and relevant assistance. In addition, BridgePaths envisions an interface which will allow the survivor/caregiver to share their voices and video, to support others who are either at the same stage, or in a different stage, of their journey, with the goal of helping to create hope, and a supportive, non-judgmental community.

Professionals are vetted by Chaya and his team. Upon selection, they will be trained, and these exclusive suppliers will pay a subscription fee to be included as virtual presenters.

Behind this network will be a series of videos. The members of the professional advisor network would consist of attorneys; accountants; financial advisors; clergy, social service and healthcare agencies; Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare specialists, life, disability and long term care insurance providers, and others as needed.  Users would pay no fee unless they chose to meet with one of the advisors in person.

The challenge now is funding. Chaya estimates needing $750,000 to $1 million to cover  start-up costs. Chaya has assembled a group of volunteers to develop the business plan to launch a pilot program.  He is talking to nationwide organizations, everyone from insurance companies to medical providers, healthcare organizations, non-profits and entities promoting fitness. He sees how this application could serve those affected by diabetes, HIV/AIDS, drug addiction and heart attack, as well as other medical conditions.   

The 10-year projections anticipate 18,000,000 cancer survivors in the U.S. It is the hope of Chaya and Schwartz that BridgePaths may well be the platform of the future in scaling survivorship care.

About Real Time Content:

Real Time Content is a Charlotte, N.C. based software company providing a data-driven personalized video marketing service. The company's proprietary technology features a virtual presenter who delivers highly personalized video content to audiences with an endless variety of needs and interests. This technology empowers companies to retain and grow relationships by jumpstarting sales, improving service, training and educating, boosting recruitment and entertaining audiences. Individually customized, Real Time Content instantly creates and delivers unique, engaging information that is wholly relevant to each user. For more information and a demo, go to: http://myvideo.realtimecontent.com/media.

About Randall-Reilly

Founded in 1934, Randall-Reilly is the premier U.S. media and information company focused on the trucking and construction markets. Its diversified portfolio includes print and digital publications, custom media, websites, interactive media, data products, research and events. The company's Custom Marketing Solutions, a new Center of Excellence, provides major corporations with comprehensive integrated workflow driven solutions.  Randall-Reilly has offices in Tuscaloosa, AL, Chicago, Charlotte, N.C., and New Berlin, WI.  For more information go to: www.randallreilly.com

Marcia Merrill

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Source: Real Time Content