When a perceptive New York doctor detected something out of the ordinary, a normal HGTV episode took a life-saving turn. The doctor saw a suspicious-looking lump on a woman’s neck as she was watching the popular home remodeling show, and it turned out to be cancer.
Without wasting any time, the doctor found the woman on social media and encouraged her to have it tested right away. Fortunately, she heeded the advise and received a thyroid cancer diagnosis shortly after. Her life might have been saved because her doctors were able to start therapy as soon as she was discovered.
With its potent reminder that heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes they watch HGTV—the story has gone viral and inspired many people. Since then, the woman and the doctor have gotten along well and expressed their sincere appreciation for the chance meeting.
Even from a television screen, this unique moment demonstrates the need of awareness and prompt action. One message, one viewer, and a life irrevocably altered.