Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Door Vonk, the Co-Founder/CCO at Tired of Cancer about Untire
Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.
Each year, millions of cancer patients and survivors suffer from a paralyzing side effect of the cancer disease: Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). This can occur during treatment but can persist even after treatment ends.
The fatigue can be so severe that the smallest day-to-day activities can be a real burden. Family responsibilities or going to work are sometimes impossible. Isolation, the feeling of being alone, is not uncommon.
As team of specialists in the field of psycho-oncology, we wanted to help all these patients (and their loved ones) by developing an easy-to-use digital tool that was based on proven methods.
What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?
We want to continue to refine and personalize the app based on patient feedback. Given CRF is a global issue, we want to provide Untire in additional languages like Spanish, German and Dutch so we can support more patients suffering from cancer-related fatigue.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?
Definitely the positive and sometimes heartbreaking reactions of patients. Creating something meaningful for the lives of cancer patients and survivors is the best motivation of all!
What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?
Our users love the animations that explain the issues related to fatigue like anxiety, worry, sleep, etc. These videos are simple, uplifting while being educational. The 'The Vase of Energy' is a interactive tracking feature to gives the user insight into the thoughts, behaviors and lifestyle choices that are positively and negatively impacting energy levels.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?
Make sure you have the best professionals aboard, who will work with you with the same dedication and passion as yourselves. Make sure you ask your target group what they want and do not build anything based on your own assumptions. Don't forget to have fun while working on it!
How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?
Android as well as iOS were chosen because we wanted to reach out to as many patients as possible. In future, we hope our app can also be part of professional platforms (medical centers, employers) as well.
How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?
It is estimated that 30-40% of cancer patients and survivors around the world suffer from cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Today, there is no comprehensive solution that addresses CRF. The Untire app is the first mhealth resource available to specifically address this global problem. Based on the reactions and feedback of patients, we know struck a chord with this app. It really resonates with the experience of cancer patients and provides them with the appropriate tools to combat CRF.
What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?
By developing this app we entered a whole new world. From defining the concept into making it a tangible tool that was easy to use and intuitive was a big challenge. We were surprised that for nearly all parts of the process there are specialists (and you need them). It is a complex journey but worth it.
Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?
All technology that enables patients to connect with others inspire us. We also looked at other medical related apps and lifestyle apps to better understand market needs and expectations. But above all it was the patient feedback that inspired us.
For more information, visit: https://untire.me/