We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hildegard Koenig a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hildegard, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
The Birth of Ink Against Cancer Foundation: A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy
The idea for Ink Against Cancer Foundation wasn’t born in a boardroom or through a business plan. It was born in a hospital room, surrounded by the sounds of beeping monitors and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family.
It all started with our soul brother, Wolf, a beloved figure in the music industry, who was diagnosed with cancer. As he battled this relentless disease, my husband, Jay, and I faced a heartbreaking realization: there were very few financial resources available for individuals like Wolf—those who didn’t fit into the traditional categories of assistance. We searched desperately for ways to support him, watching helplessly as medical bills piled up and basic needs became overwhelming burdens.
Sitting beside Wolf in that hospital room, we knew something had to change. We had always been surrounded by artists, musicians, tattooists, and creators—a passionate community that believes in self-expression and storytelling through art. That’s when inspiration struck:
“Why not bring our creative family together to raise funds and support Wolf’s cancer fight?”
That moment ignited something bigger than we had ever imagined. We envisioned a movement—one that unites artists, musicians, and tattooists to provide direct financial aid to cancer warriors and their families.
Thus, Ink Against Cancer Foundation was born—a promise to Wolf, my mother-in-law, and every warrior fighting this battle that they would never feel alone or abandoned.
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The Emotional and Logical Journey to Success
This wasn’t just an idea; it was a necessity. We had experienced firsthand the isolation, frustration, and financial hardship that comes with a cancer diagnosis. We saw how many people—especially those in gig-based industries like artists and musicians—fall through the cracks of traditional financial aid systems.
The logic behind Ink Against Cancer was simple yet powerful:
1. Artists & Tattooists Have Big Hearts – We knew tattoo artists, musicians, and creators would jump at the chance to support this cause because their work is already rooted in self-expression, meaning, and connection.
2. Community Over Charity – Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we focus on personalized financial aid and emotional support. We believe in people helping people, ensuring that donations go directly to warriors in need.
3. Hope Is Just as Important as Money – Beyond financial assistance, our events and collaborations offer warriors joy, empowerment, and a reason to keep fighting.
4. Sustainability Through Passion – This is not just a project; it is a lifelong mission. The dedication of our supporters ensures our continued impact and growth.
Wolf’s final wish was for us to continue this mission in his memory, and we have honored that promise.
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More Than Ink: The Power of a Tattoo
At our Ink Against Cancer events, the impact of our mission is felt in every moment—but especially in the tattoos inked with love, remembrance, and healing.
One moment that stays with us happened at a fundraising event when a cancer warrior’s daughter sat nervously in the tattoo chair. She had just lost her mother to cancer and wanted a permanent tribute—something that would make her feel close to her mother every single day.
She chose her mother’s last heartbeat, taken from the hospital monitor, to be tattooed onto her wrist. As the artist worked, tears fell quietly. When it was done, she traced her fingers over the ink and whispered, “Now she’s always with me.”
At that moment, we saw it—tattoos aren’t just art. They’re stories. They’re love. They’re legacies that never fade.
That’s the power of Ink Against Cancer. These tattoos tell stories of survival, loss, resilience, and love. Every tattoo inked at our events carries a warrior’s fight, a family’s strength, and a community’s unwavering support.
Today, Ink Against Cancer Foundation has supported over 80 cancer warriors of all ages and types, providing hope through art, ink, music, and community-driven support.
Every time a tattoo is inked at one of our fundraising events, every time a musician takes the stage in our honor, and every time a warrior receives the financial aid they desperately need, we are reminded of one undeniable truth:
This was always meant to be.
Hildegard, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Ink Against Cancer Foundation: Our Story, Mission, and Impact
At Ink Against Cancer Foundation, we believe that no one should have to fight cancer alone. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing direct financial aid, emotional support, and hope to cancer warriors of all ages and with all types of cancer.
Unlike many organizations that focus solely on research, our mission is centered on helping individuals and families directly, ensuring they receive the immediate support they need while navigating one of the most difficult battles of their lives.
How It All Started
Ink Against Cancer was founded from a deeply personal place. My husband, Jay Koenig, and I co-founded this foundation in honor of his mother, Lizzy, and our soul brother, Wolf, who both lost their battles with cancer.
When Wolf, who worked in the music industry, fell ill, we witnessed firsthand the immense financial and emotional burden cancer places on patients and their loved ones. Despite our efforts to find resources for him, there was little direct assistance available.
In a moment of inspiration—right there in his hospital room—we knew we had to create a support system that would help others facing similar struggles. Before he passed, Wolf made us promise to continue this mission in his memory, and that promise became Ink Against Cancer Foundation.
What We Do & How We Help
Ink Against Cancer Foundation brings together a powerful network of tattoo artists, musicians, visual artists, small businesses, and community members to raise funds and awareness.
Our fundraising efforts directly support cancer warriors and their families by helping with:
✔ Medical Bills & Treatments – Covering costs for procedures, medications, and necessary treatments.
✔ Basic Needs Assistance – Helping warriors keep up with rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs.
✔ Hospice & End-of-Life Care – Providing financial aid for comfort care in a warrior’s final days.
✔ Emotional Support & Community Outreach – Connecting warriors with a compassionate network of supporters and resources.
We stand out because 100% of the donations raised go directly to helping cancer warriors and their families—not to administrative costs.
We operate as a labor of love, relying on our incredible volunteers, artists, musicians, and supporters to make a real difference.
What Sets Us Apart
Ink Against Cancer is not just another cancer foundation—it’s a movement that blends art, ink, music, and community action to provide real, tangible assistance.
Our community of tattoo artists, musicians, and creative minds use their talents to generate hope and funding, making every donation or event feel personal and meaningful. We don’t just raise awareness; we actively change lives.
We also take pride in being deeply grassroots and hands-on. Our assistance goes straight to warriors in need, ensuring they receive immediate relief without waiting through bureaucratic red tape.
What We’re Most Proud Of
We are incredibly proud of the impact we have made, supporting over 80 cancer warriors and counting.
Each person we help is a reminder of why we started, and every fundraiser, benefit concert, tattoo event, and piece of art created for our cause reinforces the power of community-driven support.
We are also honored by the heartfelt connections we’ve built—not just with warriors and their families, but with the incredible artists, musicians, and volunteers who have joined our mission. This isn’t just a foundation; it’s a family.
What We Want People to Know
Ink Against Cancer Foundation exists because we understand the struggle firsthand. We have been in those hospital rooms, facing the uncertainty, feeling the financial strain, and searching for a helping hand.
We became the organization we once desperately needed.
If you or someone you love is battling cancer, you are not alone. We are here to help, and we invite everyone—tattoo artists, musicians, businesses, and supporters—to join us in making a difference.
Support, Volunteer, or Donate – Every bit of effort helps a cancer warrior in need.
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We Can’t Do This Alone – It Takes a Village
At Ink Against Cancer Foundation, we believe that it takes a village to support those battling cancer. We cannot do this alone.
We rely entirely on donations, sponsorships, and private contributions to fund our events and provide essential financial assistance to cancer warriors.
This mission is a never-ending battle, and as the number of warriors needing help continues to grow, so does the urgent need for funding. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting cancer warriors and their families, ensuring they receive the help they need for medical treatments, daily necessities, and end-of-life care.
But we can’t do this alone. It takes an entire community of compassionate individuals, businesses, and organizations to make a real impact.
✔ Every donation—big or small—brings us one step closer to easing the burden of a cancer warrior.
✔ Every sponsorship helps us host events that raise vital funds for those in need.
✔ Every volunteer plays a role in strengthening our mission and creating change.
✔ Every person who shares our story helps us reach more people who need support.
We invite you to be part of our village—because together, we can provide hope, relief, and strength to those who need it most.
If you’d like to contribute or learn how you can help, visit InkAgainstCancer.com or follow us on social media @InkAgainstCancer.
Alone, the fight is overwhelming—but together, we are unstoppable.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A Story of Resilience: The Birth of Ink Against Cancer Foundation
Our journey with Ink Against Cancer Foundation began in the most personal and heartbreaking way—through the loss of loved ones. My husband, Jay, and I co-founded this nonprofit in honor of his mother, Lizzy, and our soul brother, Wolf. Wolf was a passionate part of the music industry, and when he was diagnosed with cancer, we watched him fight with all his strength. But beyond the emotional battle, we also saw firsthand the financial burden and the lack of support available for those struggling with the disease.
During his final days, as we sat in his hospice room, we realized that no one should have to face cancer alone—not emotionally, not financially. That moment of grief and love turned into a mission. Wolf’s last wish was for us to continue helping others, ensuring that no cancer warrior would be left behind.
Starting a nonprofit wasn’t easy. We have faced and continue to face obstacles, from raising funds to spreading awareness, but each challenge only strengthens our resolve. We have to prove ourselves, as many people did not believe we could do this. One moment that truly tested our resilience was during the pandemic when fundraising events were nearly impossible. Instead of giving up, we adapted—partnering with artists, tattoo studios, and musicians to hold virtual events, auctions, and campaigns. We continued to support warriors and their families, proving that even in the darkest times, community and creativity can bring light.
Today, we’ve helped over 80 cancer warriors of all ages—giving financial aid, emotional support, and most importantly, hope. Every story we hear, every warrior we meet, fuels our passion to keep fighting. Resilience, for us, is about turning pain into purpose. It’s about never giving up on those who need us most.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we bring hope, love, and strength into the lives of those battling cancer.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At Ink Against Cancer Foundation, our mission is to provide financial aid, emotional support, and hope to individuals battling cancer, regardless of age or type. Our creative journey is driven by a deep commitment to uniting artists—tattoo artists, musicians, and creatives of all kinds—to make a tangible difference in the lives of cancer warriors. Through art, ink, music, and community efforts, we raise crucial funds to assist with medical expenses, treatments, and other essential needs. Additionally, we strive to fulfill wishes, bringing moments of joy and comfort to those facing the fight of their lives. Inspired by the memory of our loved ones, including our soul brother Wolf and our beloved mother Lizzy, we continue this mission with passion and dedication, ensuring no one fights alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inkagainstcancer.com/
- Instagram: InkAgainstCancer
- Facebook: InkAgainstCancer
- Linkedin: Ink Against Cancer
- Youtube: Ink Against Cancer
Image Credits
@inkagainstcsncer