Heman Bekele Is Making Breakthroughs In Cancer Treatment

52 IN 52 - WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT
Heman Bekele: Making Breakthroughs In Cancer Treatment

In the hallways of Woodson High School in Northern Virginia, walks greatness. Heman Bekele is a freshman who is making waves not just among his peers but across the nation.

Heman, a brilliant young mind with a passion for science and humanitarianism, has been named "America's Top Young Scientist" for his groundbreaking creation: Skin Cancer Treating Soap, SCTS, which is a bar of soap designed to combat low-grade skin cancer.

Heman's soap is no ordinary cleansing agent; it's a revolutionary product, fusing salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin with regular medicinal soap, that replenishes the skin with dendritic cells, a crucial component of the immune system. These cells play a vital role in protecting the skin and fighting against cancerous cells. The ingredients are “all keratolytic agents that slowly reactivate dendritic cells,” Heman explained.

The soap, although simple in concept, represents a significant leap in skincare technology. To use SCTS, patients will need a prescription, highlighting the medical nature of this breakthrough. Applying the soap every couple of days becomes a routine, and with regular use, patients can expect to see noticeable results in the battle against low-grade skin cancer.

Heman's journey towards becoming America's Top Young Scientist was not a solitary one. He sought guidance and collaboration with professors at the University of Virginia and a 3M Product Engineering Specialist mentor, who provided valuable insights and expertise during the research and development phase. Their collaborative efforts exemplify the power of combining youthful innovation with seasoned knowledge, resulting in a product that could potentially save lives.

The recognition for Heman's groundbreaking work came when he entered the Discovery Education's 3M Young Scientist Challenge in St. Paul, Minnesota. Competing against some of the brightest young minds from across the country, Herman emerged victorious, securing the top prize of $25,000. His achievement was not just a personal triumph but a showcase to the potential of youth in shaping the future of science and technology.

Looking ahead, Heman envisions taking his skin cancer-treating soap to the market within the next five years. However, his aspirations go beyond profit. Heman dreams of establishing a non-profit organization to ensure that SCTS is accessible to everyone who needs it.

In his research, Heman found that melanoma treatment can cost upwards of $40,000, and in third-world countries, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, even the most basic cancer treatment is inaccessible. Heman was “devastated by the amount of preventable deaths caused by this illness” and knew he had to take action.

In creating SCTS, Heman was committed to making skin cancer treatment accessible and affordable. For a batch of ten bars of soap, the cost is as low as $8.50, with work to get that price down ever lower. His commitment to positively impacting society is evident, reflecting a sense of responsibility that goes beyond his years.

Heman Bekele stands as the future of science and healthcare. His journey from a high school freshman with a vision to America's Top Young Scientist is a token of his individual brilliance but also an inspiration for young minds everywhere. As Heman continues to work towards bringing SCTS to the market, the potential for positive change in the field of skin care and cancer prevention becomes increasingly tangible.

In his own impactful words, “I’m Heman Bekele and I’m here to end melanoma.”

The world thanks you, Heman!