We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cancer Cartel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cancer below.
Cancer Cartel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
As three cancer survivors, we knew that our purpose in life went beyond our careers. We wanted to use our experience with cancer to create something powerful and inspiring for others who faced the same financial struggles we did.
When we first came up with the idea for Cancer Cartel, we were excited but unsure of how to move forward. We had no experience creating a nonprofit or fundraising, and self-doubt crept in with every step.
But then, we attended an empowerment conference together and everything changed. We asked ourselves, “Why not us? Why not now?”
We took the leap, tackled the paperwork, honed our idea, and reached out to influential people we knew could help us. We were fearless in seeking advice and guidance, and were grateful for the generosity of those who offered their time and talents.
Now, we can say with confidence that starting Cancer Cartel was one of the best decisions we ever made. It brings us joy every day to positively impact the lives of those affected by cancer.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Cancer Cartel provides financial resources and relief to cancer Warriors. We want anyone in the battle against cancer to focus all of their energy on getting well and not on how much having cancer costs them. From gas money to groceries, power bills to mortgage payments, we are fighting to tear down the financial barriers to wellness.
We are Katy, Kerry & Shelly- three brave, female cancer survivors who have created a passion-driven, grass-roots, national, nonprofit and we are doing it in our own new and creative ways! The Cancer Cartel Way! We combine our love of luxury fashion and lifestyle with helping cancer Warriors pay for cancer’s overwhelming, unexpected costs.
All donations are passed directly to cancer Warriors and all operating costs are underwritten. We fund our mission through donations, grants, strategic brand partnerships, and events. We also collect and sell donated luxury items through our partnership with the RealReal and other luxury resellers.
Our mission doesn’t work alone. There are so many ways to join the Cancer Cartel Family and make an impact!
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
There are three of us which creates a unique and cohesive collaborative environment. Katy and Shelly are sisters who have a built-in rapport and the distinct ability to both work together in harmony, and also disagree and then move forward with love. Kerry is the plus-one best friend/ chosen family in the trinity. Her friendship with Katy created the connection and they have been a trifecta since their first meeting to discuss this idea!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
We started officially in 2019, and guess what else happened in 2019? COVID!!! It was devastating. No fundraising events, no in-person meetings, stuck at home!! Devastating!!
But we regrouped. And COVID ended up being a blessing in disguise. We learned so many new things. We adopted new giving practices and spent countless hours on zoom. Plus, we had time to reach out to so many people who just happened to have some free time on their hands. We took the time to learn and grow. It was an opportunity!
Many people would have given up, they would have taken it as a sign that it wasn’t going to work. Instead, we pushed forward harder. And now, three years later, we have given away over $500,000 directly into the hands of cancer Warriors in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cancercartel.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cancercartel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CancerCartel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cancercartel/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cancercartel/featured
Image Credits
Angela Carlyle