Shira Kuperman-Segal

Shira Kuperman-Segal (שירה קופרמן-סגל; née Linivker; August 31, 1972) is an Israeli NGO founder, medical activist and patient-rights advocate.

In 2015 she co-founded Halasartan (Hebrew: Stop Cancer), an Israeli organization that provides support for young-adult cancer patients.

She was previously the Spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

She is the former CEO of the Israeli NGO Tal Center, which offers integrative medicine to Israeli patients of all ages.

According to the Jerusalem Post, in a meeting with President Reuven Rivlin, Kuperman's said that research should extend "to diagnose problems, focus resources and provide complementary services in the fields of welfare, employment and housing" for cancer patients.

In 2022 she served on Israel's Ministry of Health's board for the Award for Promoters of Rights in the Healthcare System. She was involved in the legislation of Israeli laws concerning patient rights, primarily in the field of loans and leave days.

Kuperman held several positions in the Ministry of Defense: in the IDF Widows and Orphans Division, as well as in the Rehabilitation Division.

She graduated from the Open University of Israel with a degree in Social Sciences, while serving in the IDF.

Kuperman served as the deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, and later as the spokesperson.

As such, she was involved with the political implications of the erection of the Israeli West Bank barrier and was involved in Israeli Knesset discussions of the Comptroller Committee.

She was a correspondent for Israel's News 10.

Halasartan Organization: In 2015 Kuperman met Zohar Yakobson, whose daughter, Tal, died of cancer at age 26.

Kuperman was appalled by the conditions which Tal underwent, including misdiagnosis, bureaucratic difficulties and a deep feeling of loneliness.

Together, the two decided to found an organization that would aid young-adult cancer patients.

The coined name Halasartan derived from the Hebrew slang: חלאס or "stop" and the Hebrew word for "cancer" (סרטן).

Kuperman began working with cancer patients, learning first hand of their day-to-day struggles and their unique needs.

According to the European Society for Medical Oncology, the organization serves young patients with cancer among the ages 18–45 years, through its large-scale operations.

The NGO targets mostly patients with breast cancer, genitourinary, hematological malignancies, melanoma, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and leukemia, among others.

The community offered by the program enables patients to alleviate their "sense of seclusion" and "reduce anxiety."

Soon after its establishment, the organization's digital community reached over 30,000 participants.

External surveys show that patients consider the network not only as a reliable source for medical information, but also for 'patient mentoring ' of newly diagnosed members by cancer survivors.

National Oncologic Nursing Curriculum: Kuperman identified eight unique needs of young cancer patients: sexuality and sexual performance, fertility, romantic relationships, young parenthood, physical rehabilitation, education and employment, recognition and rights, and loneliness and depression.

She led a research team to explore these eight needs, which in turn became a report.

The report was aimed at changing "the popular perception that cancer patients are the sole responsibility of medical professionals, providing a greater role for the community."

Following the report and the decision of the Ministry of Health, the overall nursing education program in the field of oncology was updated and revised.

A new curriculum unit was written primarily focused on Kuperman's report.

The new position became a part of a national program of clinics focused on young-adult oncological patients.

The report, in turn, helped the Israeli healthcare system "improve its services." Following the report, the Israeli Ministry of Health founded a committee to investigate the shortcomings described in Kuperman's report.

The committee recognized the need for the establishment of a new medical role within the healthcare system: a nurse specialized on the needs of young-adult cancer patients.

A certification program was created by the Ministry of Health for such specialized nurses.

Kuperman advocated for the report to be read "in depth," and for its information to be disseminated throughout the medical world. The report was also aimed at encouraging research into the biology of cancer, specifically in young patients. Kuperman also warned about the side effects of the anti-cancer treatment in young people which must be examined with its long term effects.

She advocated for special training for medical staff dedicated to young cancer patients. She warned about the post-trauma of cancer patient survivors who recovered from the physical aspects of the disease and yet are emotionally scarred.

Accelerator for Initiatives in the Field of Cancer Study:

Noting the unique needs of cancer patients, Kuperman founded the Accelerator for Initiatives in the Field of Cancer Study.

The Accelerator brings together doctors, nurses, high-tech entrepreneurs and various professionals in developing new initiatives and inventions in the field of oncology.

Joint council of doctors and patients:

Kuperman advocated for the creation of a "customized supportive system" providing access to the full spectrum of psychosocial assistance to patients.

She created a joint council of doctors and patients at the hospital.

The council is held periodically to discuss and design the healthcare program with the patients themselves suggesting improvements.

Israeli Legislation: Kuperman cooperated with Israel's Ministry of Transportation on bettering the status of cancer patients and recognizing their unique needs.