Computer Stolen In Oklahoma City Contains Research To Cure Prostate Cancer

Emily Wood, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma couple is urging thieves to return a stolen computer they say has the power to save millions of lives.

Last Sunday, Sook Shin was carrying a possible cure for cancer on a small Apple computer with years worth of data.

"I cannot eat and sleep since last Sunday," said Shin. "I'm devastated and I feel so guilty."

Shin and her husband are leading cancer researchers at an OU research lab. The two have committed their lives, working long hours often seven days a week to find a cure for prostate cancer.

"It has been a long journey up to now," said Shin.

The couple stopped at Panera on north Western Avenue to grab a meal before heading back to the lab. When they finished, they found their car windows broken and the laptop gone.

Unfortunately, most of the data was never backed up, a mistake Shin said could be a major setback in the fight against cancer.

Some of that data can never be replicated. Other parts of that research could take up to two years to do over. That's earth shattering considering 30,000 men die in the U.S. every year from prostate cancer, meaning people could lose their lives all because of a crime.

"Please return the computer with the data saved. This would tremendously help us and you would do something for society," said cancer researcher Ralf Jankecht.

Shin said that computer has the power to save millions of lives, but she's afraid whoever took it will wipe its memory and sell it. Unfortunately, the couple didn't record the computer's serial number. Police said that makes finding it nearly impossible.

The couple has posted a flyer in metro pawn shops hoping someone can help in time.

Sook Shin and her husband are offering a $1,000 reward for the safe return of the 13-inch white Macbook that was in a dark orange laptop case with no questions asked.