The Most Beautiful Sound
Wood Pencil / Pharma / Innovation / 2024
Studies show that a cancer diagnosis alone can reduce the ability to fight disease. With psychoneuroimmunology, the study of the mind on health+disease, we aimed to boost patients’ resiliency and outcomes. Partnering with Harvard Medical School, Cancer Dojo, and Berklee School of Music, we harnessed sounds of cancer cells dying and turned them into sounds of meaning. The Most Beautiful Sound became an open-sourced sound therapy for hospitals, universities, patients, and caregivers. We also launched a website, radio ad, and film, and had a major presence at the ASCO 2023 oncology convention.
What did the judges have to say?
The sound of the words 'you've got cancer' must be amongst the most dreaded in life. To turn this around and allow patients with this life-threatening diagnosis hear the sound of cancer cells dying is genius. An approach that really considers the power of the mind in healing the body deserves celebrating. This work is not only a scientific breakthrough, it has scale – something I always look for in a Jury room.
June Laffey, Creative Leadership Coach, June Laffey Coaching
Are you credited on this winning entry?
If you've been awarded Wood Pencil or above, drop us your details for further information about how you can order your D&AD Pencil. If you've previously won In Book or a Nomination and would like to celebrate your achievement with a Wood or Graphite Pencil, please let us know.