November 2012

John Kaplan, Cancer Survivor, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
A Tip of the Cap

John Kaplan is a filmmaker, photographer and professor based in Gainesville, Florida. He is a former winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Overseas Press Club Award, two Robert F. Kennedy Awards, and has been named National Newspaper Photographer of the Year.

When unexpectedly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2008, John turned to his camera as a way to cope with his fear. Now in remission, he created his acclaimed autobiographical film, Not As I Pictured, to help other families fighting cancer, too.

“We received so much unexpected help along the way during my own cancer journey. By making the film, I'm determined to give some of that back,” John says. “Not As I Pictured shares a powerfull will to make it through the fear and survive hardship, with serendipitous and surprisingly magical moments.”

Despite the serious topic, Not As I Pictured is upbeat, easy to watch, and even humorous at times. “Universally, cancer patients and their families tell us they feel better after watching it,” John adds.

John's award-winning film is airing on PBS stations nationwide. Free copies of the DVD are available for anyone touched by cancer, accompanied by a cancer coping guide in collaboration with Cancer.Net, at http://www.notasipictured.org.

More information about the Expressions of Hope calendar is available at www.cancer.net/expressionsofhope.