The Good News Video

I mean...wow...a lot happening here.
It's worth saying that Johnson & Johnson could have completely abandoned their patent, but they did not. That means that they can do all kinds of small and large things in the future that might decrease access to bedaquiline, but, as of today, they have provided licenses to allow generics to be sold in the places in the world where it is most needed and, y'all, that is just a massive freaking win. Such a huge deal...and such a good moment.
As for me, I pretty much say it all in the video. We're not out of the woods yet, but the woods are significantly less woodsy, so I'm feeling good.
----
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John's twitter - / johngreen
Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands

[@vlogbrothers]

What a week, Hank! Way to piss out that cancer! I AM SO HAPPY. -John

[@MBMCincy63]

😂😂

[@BenjaminCordero]

+

[@wayIess]

🤣

[@barbaramead729]

❤😂❤

[@margarettaylor2057]

+

[@GrantDolanMusic]

Congratulations to Hank for finishing chemotherapy and to John and the community for helping out thousands of people with their medical journey.

[@willdoesbuild]

Power couple

[@williebeamon3083]

Now time for a covid booster! Yay!

[@tmcdgreen]

Two months ago, John said about tuberculosis and the hospital in Sierra Leone: “Collectively, we are more likely to solve the problems we pay attention to.” Boy, was he right.❤

[@yayawong3477]

❤❤

[@falconeshield]

I lost my uncle to cancer last week. At least he's not suffering anymore. Seeing Hank get better brightens my day. Lots of hugs back.

[@ca147]

I'm sorry for your loss 🙏🤍

[@jrdeborja0000]

Condolences 😔

[@clairesteel5715]

❤❤❤

[@allyabernathy4098]

i lost my best friend to cancer in May ❤ solidarity to you and peace to our loved ones

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

My sincere condolences. Wishing you and yours the very best.

[@eswift8318]

We say "influencer" like it's a bad thing, because a lot of the time it is. But John just went to BMF levels of influencer. You guys are both actual heroes, influencing people to be more knowledgeable, rational, and compassionate.

[@PopeGoliath]

John's taking back the word "influencer" one epic fight for human rights at a time.

[@TheCrazyMoparDude68]

You honestly believe that his video caused Johnson and Johnson to allow other manufacturers to make their drug in areas of high demand? Lol, he is just taking credit for something that has been in the works for some time. He is basically full of shit and you believe him.

[@JorgenKremer]

At least BAMF of the month. If not the year.

[@peggedyourdad9560]

@@TheCrazyMoparDude68 Obviously he's not solely responsible, but you can't deny that he did give it more exposure than it would've otherwise gotten which ultimately led to J&J allowing for generics.

[@liammurray9274]

I think the critical difference between both John and Hank, and influencers is exactly why they're not influencers. They're educators, or sometimes also refered to as communicators. They're not trying to tell us what to do, they generally are teaching us the options available and showing what can be done. Though more recently I think they've maybe got wrapped up in the influencing side more and I hope they realize that.

[@Louisepentland]

You and Hank are EXACTLY what I want the internet and specifically youtube to be. You have inspired me all these years and I'm so grateful for you. Yay for J&J and huge congratulations on weeing out all that cancer!!!!! Yeaaahhh!!!

[@fairylights6906]

this is hank

[@TessaAvonlea]

I think you mean John. Who the heck is Hank?

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

​@TessaAvonlea Understandable confusion! Hank is an American multinational corporation founded in 1886 that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods

[@ladykoiwolfe]

I agree, John and Hank are everything I hoped the internet could bring to the masses.

[@JohnusSmittinis]

@@fairylights6906 no this is patrick

[@melbournewolf]

Hank: thankyou, you've unintentionally reinvigorated my battle with HIV. Your attitude, your self empowerment and those incredibly dedicated researchers reminded me I've been where you are in this vlog. I'm so happy your treatment has concluded and your prognosis is a good one. John: 🎉 I'll leave that there. Thankyou both 😊

[@sinsmoth9373]

Good luck on your journey and I wish you well:)

[@clairesteel5715]

❤

[@julesoxana]

Wishing you nothing but health and the best always❤ God bless you❤

[@juanarocha8629]

Wish you well

[@lovelaugh7299]

Yoooo how did u get hiv bro? U got ducked? U like being ducked from behind bro? 😂😂😂 shiieeeeeet

[@nicholasmitchell2960]

I lost my son in 2020 to cancer right before his third birthday. I'm 29 now and I've been watching Vlog brothers, scishow, and crash course since highschool. I was devastated when I heard about your cancer and I'm overjoyed at your good news, you and your brother are so inspiring to so many people. I hope this message finds you, keep up the good fight!

[@julesoxana]

Im so sorry for your loss💔🙏 God rest his soul❤

[@sarahallegra6239]

I’m so sorry. Hugs because I don’t have words ❤

[@vangu2918]

My condolences.

[@rk800android]

I'm so sorry

[@adriel1478]

My condolences. Sending you love ❤

[@juandanielcastanierrivas9545]

John I need to tell you again, you have saved hundreds of thousands of lives this week. To be conscious of that must be overwhelming, but you deserve it. Thank you John! You’re amazing.

[@REDANDSILVER741]

Possibly even millions

[@fungi5350]

That’s honestly a vast underestimation, TB affects a huge amount of people around the globe

[@ueblay]

+

[@Laura-dc1op]

@@fungi5350 When you start thinking of all the people that will never get TB because someone else got treatment, it's staggering.

[@jobethk588]

Great news!

[@kateh7484]

I love when you can actually see that our efforts make a difference 🥰

[@LaSmoocherina]

Me too! I’m so proud to have been part of the solution!

[@stephanieb.g.912]

+

[@anna-karing2053]

+

[@dandelion_16]

+

[@SugarandSarcasm]

It’s very satisfying to actually see the results of your efforts. Congratulations to all those who made a difference!

[@exhaustedbaking]

Not gonna lie, I sent a report to J&J but was incredibly pessimistic as to our chances. I'm shocked and delighted that it actually worked! Like... somebody listened to us? Actually listened? My cynical ass is floored, genuinely. And even better, the cancer is being literally pissed away! This week is awesome!

[@blovio]

Great work, I can't believe it either.

[@RachelMikofsky]

This is the good news I needed. Medicine works. Collective action works. Science works. There are awesome people in this world who care and made a difference. Sometimes we win against the big companies!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@vansapo6558]

I work in healthcare (clerical) and have seen so many terrible, gut-wrenching things over the years that are just accepted as "it is what it is." I was completely pessimistic while watching John's video, tbh. Cynical and deeply tired. So, I'm crying now - you guys did something truly amazing. So many lives will be saved and it's because of you all. Thank you, and thank you for giving me a bit of hope again. And, of course, congratulations Hank 🎉 Wishing for smooth sailing for the rest of your treatments.

[@invisibleninja86]

I agree, even when I saw John’s post today I had to keep re-reading the statement. Like, “Wait… it actually worked??” Such unexpected but very good news.

[@shpup]

Yeah my first thought when seeing his video was "this is a very 2014 optimism video to post but I'll send a silly little email anyway" I'm stunned that something might have actually came out of it

[@jucom756]

It's so easy to develop pessimism in todays world where corporate executives seem to care about nothing but their own money, however it is so easy to forget (especially because those corporate executives do their best to make us forget) how much power the populace actually holds, powerful people don't remain in power because of some divine right, they remain in power because the populace allows them to be, if enough of the populace threatens to remove their power they will to anything to remain there, at first (if they are really bad people) try silencing the populace, but with a big enough movement the people in power have to concede. (This is a reason the internet is powerful but also dangerous, it can mobilise tons of people for a cause, but it can also make tons of people trained to be ignorant towards the injustices of the world and actively not like the movements for positive change)

[@sarahprunierlaw9147]

Nerdfighters can do really great things! I'm so proud of us! \

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

++ ♡

[@joescott]

Super happy for you, man. Glad you're doing better and so proud of how you've handled this whole ordeal - with grace and humility and using it as an opportunity to teach others. You're a true gem of a human.

[@jerrys.9895]

Hi Joe!

[@paladin9831]

didnt expect to see this scientific chad

[@albertjackinson]

Hi Joe! I forgot you watch vlogbrothers too! It's nice to see you here!

[@haroldparsons9727]

Hi Joe!

[@LarrysLibrary]

Hey Joe! You're the best

[@somewhereupthere785]

My mom went through chemo for stomach cancer. I remember thinking how well she took it. I never saw her throw up, I never saw her in pain. I think you just made me see that she hid it all.

[@BertaRS]

Not everyone has the same effects. Some people don't lose their hair, some people don't throw up. Maybe she was hiding it from you or maybe the effects were different on her. It happens. Maybe ask her now that you are older.

[@natez9059]

​@@BertaRS I cannot sadly. She died from the cancer. Rest in peace mom.

[@samnejberger5546]

my mom did 5 or 6 rounds of chemo for a brain cancer called ATRT, and this really made me think of how well she hid it. she was and is still an awesome mom.

[@girrrrrrr2]

As someone who has gone through chemo and radiation. So much was hidden, and it wasnt even a "im too big to be sick from chemo" its "I dont want others to worry about me"

[@Hellofromplace]

@@natez9059I’m so sorry ❤️

[@emhoj97]

Outrage works! Speaking up works! Big corporations can be gently bullied into changing a little bit! Thank you John for being the driving force in saving millions of lives and making such a critical medication more accessible ❤

[@johnchessant3012]

John and the rest of nerdfighteria literally saved thousands if not millions of lives by drawing attention to this issue. We should be proud of ourselves.

[@verity3616]

How about we keep doing it? There are good things we can do, other than just donate money, that will improve our world. I'd love to see nerdfighteria take on challenges together. It's nice to be a part of something constructive and isn't that a part of the DFTBA mantra? Heck, let's take on climate change.

[@AsaTJ522]

This is a systematic issue that could happen again at any time as long as we treat access to healthcare as something big corporations should be able to profit off of. J&J and companies like them can easily do something like this again in the future when there isn't a John Green to call them out on it and mobilize a response. We need to eradicate the real disease, not just individual outbreaks. And that disease is called for-profit healthcare.

[@icarusbinns3156]

@@AsaTJ522the ‘health care’ in the US has killed and nearly-killed far too many. CO had a campaign to cap certain meds, called “They Could Die”. Lemme tell you, it is disconcerting to see an image of yourself, looking tiny and frail in a hospital bed, hooked up to machines and tubes and knowing full well… yeah. Your heart stopped before this picture was taken. That you DID die. But your team was determined to keep you alive, and so you can see this picture. The campaign was mostly rattling pictures like that. Not a single one was over 30.

[@placeholderdoe]

Everyone who did anything, even viewed the video on the medicine being withheld, give yourself a pat in the back. Appreciate what you have done. Seriously appreciate that. You have helped saved lives

[@placeholderdoe]

@@justinsummers8788 well I don’t care still appreciate yourself

[@MrImagin]

@@justinsummers8788 you're here

[@avarobson23]

thank you! I wrote an email to JnJ about bedaquiline and I’m just so happy that I could do something

[@BenCos2018]

all I did was retweet a few things tbh Can't say I did much either but every view / action counts

[@BenCos2018]

@@justinsummers8788 you still watched the video which helps it get recommended to more people

[@gwenmph]

As a public health professional who only DREAMS of doing what John has done for TB in their field, this is something to be celebrated for years to come!

[@FireVixen164]

One group I would add to the list of people to be thankful to: people who volunteer for medical research! These people do an incredible service to those who come after them, sometimes without even having a hope to benefit themselves. Amazing people who deserve to be praised and given credit alongside the researchers!

[@elisabetk2595]

And every patient who's been treated in the past, generating the data and the experience that doctors and researchers turn into better treatments for today and the future.

[@colonelb]

Congratulations to Hank for kicking Lymphoma's butt, and thank you to John and Nerdfigheria for showing us that we can make a difference in the world and that it is worth fighting for.

[@theboris2137]

As a lymphoma survivor myself, I am proud of you Hank. Welcome (almost) to the remission gang. 🎉🥳

[@chazlon5061]

possibly soon to be the relapse gang 🤷🏼‍♂😁

[@Julesdoesstuff]

@@chazlon5061in what world is this comment necessary or helpful

[@aekelly]

​@@chazlon5061please tell me you worded that differently than you meant to.

[@jellycore1316]

I'm really happy for and proud of you for powering through and overcoming it! ^^ That is awesome! And Hank is gonna do that too, 100%!

[@user-zu8vj1ku6c]

As part of my undergrad research I was synthesizing and testing derivatives of BDQ for MDR-E.coli. So glad to hear that generics will now be able to be made. BDQ is such a powerful TB drug that has helped so many people. This is so exciting!

[@semicolon.advocate]

I had a bit of a rough night last night, and now I'm just sitting here sobbing (but in a good way!). I'm so proud of this community and so thankful, Hank, that your cancer is responding well to treatment. My heart is so full

[@souldec]

I’m sorry for your bad night. keep fighting the good fight, it’ll be worth it someday

[@macbird-lt8de]

you guys know there’s a real, physical universe, right?

[@semicolon.advocate]

@@macbird-lt8de yeah, why do you mention it?

[@Yoyshaia]

This video made me cry. So proud of both John and Hank, and the community they've built, and so delighted that Hank's pissed out so much of that cancer.

[@palocymasaio]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

[@cilantrho]

glad i wasn’t the only one who cried lmao

[@shpup]

Hank really said "check out how hard I can pee" *PWWWWWFFFSSSSHHHFFFWWW*

[@brianrubin2069]

+

[@TheWishingStars]

Cried yesterday when I woke up to the news from Stop TB Partnership, and crying again now! This feels like what it’s all been for - all these years of being a Nerdfighter, and John, you used your platform do do unbelievable good. Thousands if not millions of lives will be saved because of you two. And giant bonus that Hank pissed out that cancer and is doing amazing! I love you guys - thank you for truly making the world better.

[@TheaHFrancis]

❤❤❤

[@baronvonbeandip]

I wish there was more content like this. People being positive, making positive things happen, sharing positivity.

[@SiniSimon]

Vlog brothers, you guys had raised the bar for standards in KZbin content at the very beginning of this channel, and how tremendous that you continue to exceed expectations with the raw impact you have in each of our lives, both in this community and the world at large. Thank you 🙌🏻 🎉 ❤

[@lunaargentum1743]

I'm so proud of John for following the TB issue and then calling out J&J, bringing attention to it and Nerdfighteria answering and going into battle for it. You truly deserve your platforms, you don't only make fun content, but also educational one and you use the attention given to you to make the world a better place. Also, I'm very happy for you, Hank, and I wish you full recovery. Both these great news just made my day

[@JHaven-lg7lj]

Same here, I realise that J&J haven’t said that they’re going to stop trying to evergreen the patent and I’m sure they’ll keep trying to keep it as expensive as possible, but the generic being allowed to go forward in at least *some* countries is definitely a start - and it very much looks like John’s activism and our support influenced that result at least in part. John, you are a force for good in the world. Thank you. Edit: used “grandfather” rather than “evergreen” Also editing to add: does “granted a license” mean that it’s free? Or are they charging a fee for this life-changing situation?

When we needed it the most, the vlogbrothers blessed us with some quality good news.

[@TheKrispyfort]

Healthy Greens! 1. I'm glad Hank's lymphoma treatment seems to be working ❤, 2. I'm glad John noticed an opportunity to do good, and 3. I'm glad for the random circumstances that have resulted in you and your team being Inspirational and inspiring the world to champion each other. Your families, your mentors have contributed to you both contributing to each of us, and we will in turn contribute to the rest of the world in more ways than eradication of TB. Though, I will admit, prevention of needless deaths, via TB or infant/maternal mortality, is a good start. Okay guys, I'll watch you on Tuesday

[@XANDRE.]

The moment I realize that there is a reality in which we could lose Hank or John and how terrible that makes my personal reality. I never thought that someone I didn’t know passing away could make me cry so instantly. I suppose if I want to turn this into a positive, I really how much good you’ve brought into my life.

[@katiecousineau]

The universe heard John's request of NO BUMMERS for Hank and was like "okay, how's TB medication access for millions of people who need it?" Truly an outstanding maneuver.

[@anotherarchivist]

++

[@HeisenbergFam]

This man's positivity despite having cancer is absolutely admirable, wish you the best

[@Megastar54]

Agreed

[@a.captiveaudience]

Lol Heisenberg

[@paperstars9078]

I see your comments very often, on which channels do you comment on frequently? I need some recommendations.

[@HicSvntDracones]

"had" cancer :)

[@SaintPhoenixx]

It's cool that he put the J&J news over his own health in the video. Hank and John are both incredible.

[@stephaniehealey569]

This is a beautiful example of people coming together to solve problems that effect people we might never met or talk to. It is so easy to ignore problems that don’t effect us and are far away, but the world is a better, happier place when we go out of our way to help. Thank you Hank!

[@andrewduncan2258]

Brothers, I am weeping... You guys are the good in the world we so so desperately need. Thank you for the good news!

[@BrainError]

I wasn't that polite, sorry 😅 but I'm happy we all banded together and made this happen. Thank you John and everyone involved.

[@LJCRIA]

Yeah, I called into the third party credo violation line. And reported the CEO for being aware of the plan that was going against the credo and not stopping it. They said they’ll update me within 7 days. Looks like they’ll have some progress to report. Keep us posted guys!

[@Justin-stopmakingme]

I screenshotted my reply and now, only a few days later, (hell ya us nerds), I should've been more impolite.... Between us two we made a balance?

[@Laura-kl7vi]

@@LJCRIA Can I ask you something? I never saw in the video or comments section where we could call, maybe I'm clueless. Was there a concrete action plan organized somewhere (some website, FB page I don't know about)? I feel I missed something and could have been more effective. I want to know for future actions, which also allow me to feel more part of the community (I'm new). I did tweet out the video and made a call but I couldn't get any real person, didn't know about "credo violation line" which sounds perfect.

[@Justin-stopmakingme]

@@Laura-kl7vi hi Laura, ya I also didn't really have a good line to reach out but John linked in the original video the direct ethics line of J and J (which is great that they have that). The website is the credointegrity that offers text/phone! If ya haven't sent your thoughts please do 👍

[@Justin-stopmakingme]

(description of john's video)

[@catherinecase1142]

On the internet where there's so much to pay attention to, it's easy to get bogged down in outrage and just do nothing. John is a great example of a path forward - pay close, prolonged attention to a few things so you can make impact AND be able to notice and celebrate the progress that gets made. We all needed some good news. Thank you!

[@amandaradtke]

Well said!

[@dandelion_16]

Absolutely

[@titania642]

Wow!! So much good news in one video. Once again I am so unbelievably proud of nerdfighteria!! And so proud of these two brothers at the helm of this community. We are so lucky that we found each other! And Hank, YAYYYYYYYYY!!!! Music to my ears. Sending so much love to everyone!

[@leomcgrath2083]

I am proud to have been a nerdfighter for more than 10 years. But never more than when I saw this video today.

[@leighannf.4730]

Hank, *today* my daughter had her last post-chemo follow-up appointment for Hodgkin's and now enters the cancer survivorship program at our hospital!! 3 years remission! Woohooo!!! We're going to be celebrating the end of one chapter with you soon, too, sir! God bless, keep fighting!

[@hayleyhorton5480]

I am so consistently amazed and proud by what Nerdfighteria is able to accomplish. Thank you to every individual who recognizes the power they have and uses it to help others. Thank you to John and Hank for empowering others to do so. So happy to have good news today.

[@vlogbrothers]

Never underestimate nerdfighteria! -John

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Of course let's appreciate Nerdfighteria for taking a stand like this, but let's also remember that this was a massive effort that involved several dedicated groups of activists. Nerdfighteria is just one awesome part of a much larger awesome movement.

[@StninkyBoi]

I lost my dad to oesophageal cancer years ago when I was just turning 21, and I've seen how much it negatively affects you; I'm tearing up at the fact that you're almost out of the woods, all of the good you've done for the world is on its way back to you Hank!

[@sl8ofhand]

You guys keep me in balance when watching the world fall apart gets me down, you lift me back to my feet. Thank you for being.

[@nmikulics]

Hank, my dad passed from prostate cancer 3 years ago, my brother nearly died from leukemia just before dad was diagnosed. I gasped audibly & cried tears of joy when you showed your PET scans. I cannot express how happy I am that your body has responded well to the chemo & you are nearly cancer free. This is...the most amazing news. My heart is so full right now ❤

[@NathalieCwiekSwiercz]

Oh, I'm SO sorry for your loss... I cant imagine the hurt you feel, almost loosing your brother too... I hope his well now, and I hope you have an amazing life too! thank you for sharing, my heart hurts for you ❤ I will to share my story too, it's kinda dark haha, but the ending is what made me sure there is something after this life, I'm not religious at all, but this changed me as a person I'll tell you that haha, so I hope it will give you some hope and peace too maybe 😅 i almost never talk about this, especially not on the internet haha, but I too lost my dad, he was my reason to live, to breath, to keep on fighting, I grew up in hell, addiction, abuse and yeah, I couldn't write it all here even if I was brave enough to try Haha and even tho he too had an addiction he was the only person me and my siblings had (my mom left when I was 4, shes also and addict) who, even tho he made mistakes ofc, mistakes that he never forgave himself for and therefore ended his life in 2016 (he NEVER hurt us or anything like that, he just let his addiction win some times) but he never ever even thought of leaving us, and he still gave me and my siblings everything he could, even tho he had nothing, he was the BEST dad ever, always happy, laughing and being goofy, and he and I was so close, we talked everyday no matter how hard life were or how deep down anyone of us were, we always fought together.. he always belived in me, oh my heart, I wish more than anything that he would have believed in himself, and saw himself as I saw him.. when he left, I gave up, I was so close to dying so many times, I was in the hospital nearly every week, it's a miracle I didn't ended up with serious brain damage, i was so angry and sad and I just wanted to be given up on so i could be with my dad, (now I'm so thankful to everyone who fought for me when I couldn't myself) But a few months later, when I was locked up for the last time, it was kinda what you call rehab and a psyckward in one Haha And I will NEVER forget this, it was my birthday and I had made up my mind, I was gonna end it all that night , I even felt happy, its so hard describing, I remember it like it was yesterday Haha And I SWEAR on my DAD that this is true, it's so crazy Haha So I sat in my room with another girl and talked about my dad, we had just watched a movie with the rest of the people there (this is so crazy, if she wouldn't have been there in my room, no one would have belived me hahah) so we talked about how I wanted just a little sign from my dad, anything, I was so sad, and I just wanted to know he was with me, I knew that was the ONLY thing that would make me not give up So in this movie we just watched, there was a scene were all the lights were flickering and then it went dark, I was a scary movie or something like that, so I joked with her about how crazy it would be if the sign from my dad was that all the lights would be flickering, we laughed but SERIOUSLY, just SECONDS later ALL THE FRICKING LIGHTS blinked and then the whole ass building went dark!!! 😂 WHEN I TELL YOU we stopped breathing and nearly died on the spot, oh my god I'm still shaking thinking about it 😂 we just sat there frozen and the moon was shining trough the window so we could see each others faces a little, and we just stared at each other with our mouths open haha This place was a bit out near the country side, so it scared the living souls out of us at first cuz it was totally black, we ran out of the room, as did all the other patients ofcs wondering what happened, and the personal working there came and was telling us to calm the frick down and go to bed and be quiet 😂 But me and her didn't sleep at all Haha, I was sure it was my dad, I could just feel him. I mean, what's the odds that we first watched a move were it happend, got the idea (mostly as a bit of a spooky joke after the movie, we NEVER thought I would happen ofc) said "dad if you're there, give me a sign, make the lights go crazy Haha" and a second after I said it it HAPPENS!? 😂 Ofc it could just have been a electric outage (or what its called in enlish haha) but we both, it wasn't just me, felt a strong presence of something being there almost the whole night .. I realize how stupid I sound but it's the truth, but I never believed in anything like that until that happened, and thanks to that, I'm still here. More crazy stuff have happened too, but nothing like that But after that, I also just realized, that my dad gave me my life, he gave me this body I'm in, and in that he will always be with me, and I would never again hurt myself, cuz again, my dad gave me the most precious thing you can ever give a person, my life! And I will cherish that until I do die, and I will finally be with him again. Sorry this ended up being WAY to long haha, but I just wanted to share this crazy story with you, and just tell you that we will always have our loved ones with us, either by blood our by the memories in our heart. Lots of love to you ❤

[@helllllloworld]

@@NathalieCwiekSwiercz what a beautiful comment Nathalie! Funny enough, this comment made me reach out to my dad and tell him that I loved him. His addiction led him to leave us and move elsewhere, and I haven't seen him for a while. I feel so angry that he chooses an addiction over his family, but at the same time, he's had a really rough life (cancer and a veteran) and I cannot blame him for turning to such things. He still shows that he loves us, but I hold a lot of resentment. However, this comment made me stop and think for a moment and I eventually called him to tell him I love him regardless. Thank you. and thank you to the original commenter for sharing your story! May you both have peace in your life!

[@sherrieludwig508]

So sorry for your loss.

[@zimithria]

Hank, I'm 25 now, and I started watching your videos when I was 10 or so. I was starting to come out of a religious cult, watching my mom fall apart after leaving my psychotic step father, and facing the big scary world. You helped me find comfort, laughter, and taught me SO MUCH. I don't know you personally, and obviously you'll never know me.... HOWEVER, I am so proud of you for fighting this cancer like a boss. Thank you for the years of laughs, and confronting big topics, and helping me learn about the world. You hold the same space as Mr. Rogers, Levar Burton, and Bob Ross for me, and I thank you for that. DFTBA, Mr. Green ❤

[@zodfanza]

I came out of a religious cult too! These guys definitely helped bridge my education!

[@phillyphakename1255]

I wouldn't go so far as cult for me, but I did grow up under a pretty hateful, illogical, unempathetic environment. Seeing people demonstrate kindness and empathy and love of learning and unironic enthusiasm and Pizza John, it made a big difference to the trajectory of my life in those formative years.

[@VivekYadav-ds8oz]

Woah holy shit. I respected the hell outta educational KZbinrs, but this just takes it to a whole new level 🫡.

[@dftbarachel]

it brings me so much joy hearing nerdfighter stories like this. i had a very similar experience. im 29 now, left the cult at 21. not sure where i’d be without the hope for humanity they helped instill (where my upbringing purposefully failed) thank you for sharing 💜 don’t forget to be awesome!

[@KG-uu5op]

I am also 25 and came out of a religious cult and their videos (and khan academy) helped me actually get a GED after not being allowed to get an education as a kid! Should we have a discord page or something?

[@EmilyJelassi]

I’m so happy that you’ve gotten such good news Hank!! And it’s awesome when you can actually see that our efforts make a difference! 😊🎉

[@amplethought]

We are all grateful for you two brothers who show love and kindness and integrity and patience and intellectual humility. The world is a better place having each of you.

[@RainbowOwl24]

NERDFIGHTERS, WE DID IT! We raged for John's cause and helped make real change happen. We also rallied around Hank and loved him through this difficult process. I'm so happy for everyone and so proud of this community!!

[@charliespinoza1966]

+

[@THE_BATLORD]

They're still gonna extend the patent anyway. They just gave a liscense to a company

[@Nick-jr9pc]

​@@THE_BATLORDwhich is fucking huge. The main issue is lower/middle income countries, aka the majority of the world, having access and now they will which is very very good

[@THE_BATLORD]

@@Nick-jr9pc i thought the point was to get rid of the patent on the drug not bully a multi-billiondollar into giving us a pittance. They're still going to extend the patent. You are all fools for thinking giving out ONE liscence to ONE company fixes the core issue.

[@jeromealday614]

​@@THE_BATLORDthe fact that they forced a multi million company to show is pittance is an achievement itself. That's the most you're ever gonna get in this capitalic hellscape 😅

[@strangedays2484]

As someone who worked in a TB DOTS center in the Philippines, you are my hero John! ❤

[@petrosps9650]

I’m a doctor and trainee in medical oncology that I’ve watched your videos for a while. And I wanted to say big thank you for educating people on cancer and chemotherapy and that we have drugs in our fight against cancer that even though they aren’t perfect they are really powerful and work amazing. Thank you!

[@designersheets]

This is fantastic! What a mood booster. My mom had I think only 4 rounds of chemo as well, but it was super strong chemo since she was younger so the doctors figured she could handle it. And I mean, she did "handle" it as in, she survived, but damn if it didn't take its toll. So glad you're on the road to being done with that horrible (but amazing!) treatment.

[@Emily-hd9sm]

What they said: "We weren't trying to restrict access" What their actions said: "We just don't care if that's a side effect of us making more moneyyyyy" I am absolutely floored at what John's video accomplished. It gives me hope that maybe not everything that's just "the way it is" will have to be that way forever. Thank you both for what you do 😄

[@DUCKDUDE4100]

700,000 lives could be saved over the next 4 years because of this. John and everyone who wrote in and memed at them some should be so proud. Also Hank, congrats on the cancer treatment being successful thus far!

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

...I had to stop and sit with this a while after I read it. Seven. Hundred. Thousand. Lives. Will continue. Because of Nerdfighters.

[@smurfrise]

This is truly the best corner of the internet. Love to all of Nerdfighteria! Huzzah to Hank!🎉

[@avlogonbioethics4344]

Hi Hank & John, I'm a 60+ year-old bioethics professor at Yale and have followed Vlogbrothers since before John had a movie. I've bought & read your books, and even bought one of your coins, which sits on a shelf in my office next to a coin I got when I visited the US Embassy in France. I consume Crash Course content regularly. Several years ago I saw an end-of-life ethics post on Crash Course and loved it so much that I looked closely at the credits to see the name of the person who'd written it. I then sought out that person and asked her to teach in my Center's Summer Bioethics Institute--and she has done that a couple of times now and she's amazing & she is welcome back any time! John posts about global public health all the time, you raise money for amazing public health causes, John posts honestly about mental health, Hank posts honestly about inflammatory bowels and about cancer and chemo.... So I just have to say, because I haven't before and really should have, that I love you guys, and I thank you for all your amazing work. Through Vlogbrothers and social media and Crash Course, you reach immense audiences that academics like me cannot possibly hope to reach, and give them excellent information about the science and emotion and politics of medicine. You're expert and effective and honest bioethicists. My highest praise. So, thank you.

[@msquaredmedia8717]

Fascinating to see your scan, i havent seen a PET scan before. My husband has Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2x chemo 1x radiotherapy. Will need another chemo cycle soon... After.... Hes finished his tuberculosis treatment! Became active during last chemo when also had COVID... I mean chemo for lymphoma, COVID and TB, sure what else!? 🙈 Nearing the end of TB treatment and now has shingles. He's such a fighter 💚💚 You 2 Green brothers are really speaking to me right now because of these 2 things, its incredible. Im so glad you're not having to have more chemo, look after yourself with the radiotherapy! Much love 💚

[@soybeanokra]

I am proud. I literally cannot imagine what it’s like to be your parents. Heart explosions every day. You both are awesome.

[@aguti1111]

+

[@yayawong3477]

+++

[@AmeliaBell28]

"You made a video on TUESDAY. It's FRIDAY now!" I was offline from Monday until Thursday morning and I'm still processing what happened in LITERALLY LESS THAN A WEEK!!!! And devastated that I missed out on participating but I know this community and I know the fight to stop TB isn't over and thus, there will be plenty more opportunities for us to digitally organize like we did this week, and I cannot wait to be online for those. Nerdfighteria is so beautiful 🥺

[@arguchik]

Thank you for giving us an update about both the J&J situation and your cancer situation. I'm particularly thankful to you for talking about your experiences with treatment, and for making videos sometimes when the chemo was making you feel really exhausted and awful - but showing that you were doing it anyway. It's helpful because it's demystifying. You're showing us the bad, telling us the good, and demonstrating what it's like to accept and focus on getting through what's in front of you. I appreciate that very much.

[@JustBreath24]

I’m so happy to hear some good news. Thank you for letting us go on this ride with you guys!

[@AgitpropPsyop]

It makes me sick to know that a company has to be publicly shamed for them to do the right thing… But I’m so glad you are using your platform for good. Great job, everyone.

[@realspacemodels]

As an old guy (63) I have been a fan of Vlogbrothers and all they do since 2007. And in that time I have been confident that the world is in good hands as long as Nerdfighters work to reduce world suck. Well the world sucks less this week than it did last week and I thank all of you.

[@estrellarouge]

+

[@Ana-ls4mu]

+

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

+

[@rafieldcorn1385]

Well said sir!

[@kylethecreator]

I absolutely love that your community has become such a strong group of people who can band together to make change!

[@michaelangelo1417]

I’m so happy to hear these awesome news! I’m glad that you are doing well! And thank you! -A person that certainly wouldn’t pass his physiology exams but he found your videos

[@JulieHerrick]

Celebrating with all of Nerdfightera, this great milestone in Hank's cancer journey, and the victory for TB patients worldwide!!

[@untappedinkwell]

+++ We need some party poppers, for sure! 🎉🎉🎉

[@landdcollection]

I was holding back tears at the end of the J&J news. Completely lost it by the chemo news. So proud to be a part of this community and have grown up alongside you guys for the last 10+ years.

[@sassichembunni]

Ive been in the wilderness for 2 months and I come out to this as the first in my feed. SO FREAKIN HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! SO FREAKIN HAPPY FOR NERDFIGHTERS EVERYWHERE! This will not be the last from us. Yall have lit a fire for a whole generation and it will burn so bright for many more generations. #NerfighterForLife ❤

[@locutia7]

These two good news pieces really make me glad. Thank you for being such a great KZbin presence. I'm feeling more hopeful...

[@judylearn7971]

The Vlog Brothers have now officially made the world better for millions in a big way. But you've been doing it in countless smaller ways for years. Thank you so much for who you are, for all you do. You make me think there is still hope for all of us.

[@SuperLifestream]

It's a bit missleading because the changes to the TB didnt happen just because of John. there have been people fighting against it starting for a couple years. John helped with a lot more publicity

[@VioletRoseGaming]

I’m crying happy tears! This is a fantastic day for Nerdfighters everywhere ❤ congrats to both John and Hank for kicking ass this week. Hope you all have a lovely weekend, DFTBA!

[@dangdo7549]

It is so good to hear some good news this week Hank!! Seeing the community came together and now knowing you are getting better are the good things I need more of.

[@hot_wheelz]

So much amazing news crammed into one video! Love seeing your joy and excitement that your treatment is going well and should soon be behind you!

[@MusicLover7545]

I didn't have the spoons to jump into the J&J ring, thanks so much to all of you that did

[@sunniecolors]

Same!!! I'm Autistic and I use goblin tools to help me type most important things, but I spend hours editing my text to make sure it sounds exactly like I want it to... but it was just too overwhelming as I am super busy with work right now. Also, I felt uneducated on the subject and I like to do research before writing about it.

[@shavono8402]

Your presence and attention help regardless! May you have many years of spoon abundance (and pringle consumption)!

[@victoriagoodwin520]

I had an overabundance of spoons that day, so don't worry! I was happy to use a couple on your behalf!

[@EmilyXzy]

reading the word Pringle makes me want Pringles

[@Sahdirah]

Same here, I have enormous problems with executive functioning. I’m glad everyone else had it in the bag. ❤️

[@azdaze227]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

[@AbrahamMeat]

Dude, this is great news! I was seriously worried about you since I saw your first video and been following your updates. You made my day.

[@samuelmoreno4971]

So happy to see your recovery is going so well. Stay strong. God bless you!

[@TheParkourFencer]

Crazy that this effort to allow generic forms of the drug might be the single most impactful thing John and this community ever does. Sometimes small efforts lead to massive outcomes. Thank you, John.

[@oldwornoutjeans]

As someone who is getting into pharmaceutical R&D and drug development, seeing what John did at the precise time he did it to stop a routine evergreening of a patent is truly remarkable. I cannot believe it worked and I am so excited for generic bedaquiline.

[@kirstyd6240]

I'm so thankful we got to share in all this good news with you! Watching your journey has been both informative and inspiring. You have demonstrated the very best example of human resilience and perseverance, in the way that you have handled both your illness and your battle against tuberculosis. To my brother in life: your little sister is so, so proud of you.

[@debbiehoad1850]

I just happy cried through this whole video. What an achievement, John and the community, and what wonderful news for you, your family and honestly for us all, Hank. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@cjsparks02]

This community is absolutely incredible. I've been around for almost the entirety of these 15+ years, and every year, the things we accomplish together are amazing. Opening hospitals, making education accessible, talking openly about mental health and ending stigma, these things are powerful. Thank you for using your voices and elevating the most important things, always.

[@dhumparoo]

So I'm a crier. But I think this video may have set the record for rapid succession of wildly different happy tears. So insanely proud and inspired that this community was able to force change for the better, so happy to hear that Hank is DONE WITH CHEMO! Just so grateful to be a part of this beautiful group of people cheering each other on and making the world a better place.

[@michealjones9373]

V Mom M. . M M... .....😢😊😅😊😊😅😅😅😅😅. 4

[@untappedinkwell]

I've got tissues if you need them!

[@Chris_7103]

Despite this, Johnson & Johnson should still not be left off the hook so easily. Their negligence on how they're still handling their carcinogen contaminated talcum powder is why tens/hundreds of thousands of people contracted cancer. Even worse when they continue to try to stall courts as long as possible to prevent payouts to individuals/families that are greatly affected by their products.

[@madcaptainsundy]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES this makes me want to cry tears of joy. John & Hank & Nerdfighteria continue to be awesome 🥰🥰🥰 THE WORLD IS BETTER THAN IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN BECAUSE OF YOU ❤️ and congratulations on your recovery, Hank!! so happy you don’t have to get any more chemo treatments 🤞🏻 good luck with the radiation! and thank you to both you and John for spreading information & hope

[@nyxgarcia1917]

J&J subtweeting John killed me. GET EM DAD

[@trentvoth7029]

I've never seen hundreds of thousands of lives saved by a community in 96 hours before... ... I like it. Good work, done well! Thank you! And congratulations to you Hank! Keep going!

[@vivirecar]

You two are just amazing people and I am extremely grateful for being a part of this community. I am so happy for you Hank!!!!

[@KimiAvary]

I listened to this for your update! Thank you for the good news!!!

[@alma175w]

“50mm - you’re very far away right now!” That you can deliver all of this with such humor and humility never ceases to amaze.

[@karmakauffman7445]

Last night I decided to check the internet to see if this community’s efforts had gotten JnJ’s attention at all. I might have shouted “YES!” loud enough to wake my next door neighbors when I read the good news! 😄 Way to go y’all! We CAN make a difference sometimes! (Also, I decided to tweet a thanks to JnJ for their actions towards making BDQ more accessible and to remind them that they could make it even more accessible.) So thrilled by this good news! Also, congrats, Hank, on completing chemo!

[@emil5884]

Awesome, man. Really stoked about both of those news. Congratulations!

[@RackyuX]

Congrats on the results of your treatment! Everything will continue to improve. You deserve it.

[@phantomalex]

I love how consistently you guys use your platform to do good, it makes me so proud to be part of this community 💚

[@amyberger9559]

+++

[@untappedinkwell]

+++

[@shirleyvmaui]

I'm so grateful you're responding well to treatment. Happy tears here.❤❤❤

[@juneo.7764]

So happy, you are doing better! And today you inspired me to deal with hardships differently.

[@MeganJester]

The internet is often such a negative space. This video being overwhelmingly positive with great news is soooo refreshing! Yay Hank! Yay John! Yay to chemo and Hank tag -team fightin that cancer. Yay to all of us who decided we would personally fight J&J so others can fight TB. Good vibes.

[@pattydorr4848]

Hank, after three rounds of chemo the write up of the results of a PET scan (for NHL) said "significant and dramatic improvement". That good news was so good I told strangers on the way home from discussing it with the oncologist! :) So glad you are enjoying good news too, and like me are chemo-free hopefully forever!

[@daholyvagabond]

I’m happy for you ❤

[@magsimags]

congratulations!!! i'm really happy that you got to hear such good news

[@Ohfukmoment]

GOOD FOR YOU IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

[@DeKKH]

You are one amazing person 🌹 Keep on keeping in. We need a lot of you on this earth!

[@flyinrhino1]

Thank you both - for the best news I’ve heard in quite a while! Great Job and Don’t forget to be Awesome!

[@alexislounsbury6038]

Can I just say how proud I am to be a fan of both you and John? I am 32 and have been watching these videos since I was a teenager. You guys have made me proud to be part of this community for so long. You guys are one of the most consistent communities that have existed in my life.