“Universe, What’s Good?! ”
We are so happy to have you here. Maybe you’ve heard those three dreaded words: “You have cancer.” Perhaps you’re trying to find the right gift for your co-worker who has just announced their diagnosis. Or, maybe you’re a Patient Navigator who is interested in relaying current information. Either way, The CanSurvivor’s Network is here to help you!
Founded by Kelsey Smith in 2014, The CanSurvivor’s Network started as a video blog to keep loved ones updated on her own experience with stage two Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) at the age of 29. At the time of her diagnosis, Kelsey was physically active, she ate a nutrient-dense diet, and generally did the “right” things. Getting breast cancer was certainly not in her plan. It simply did not make sense!
Upon completing an aggressive chemotherapy regimen and undergoing a double mastectomy with reconstruction, Kelsey began to feel the mental, physical, and emotional anguish of being placed into uncharted territory as a young breast cancer survivor. It led her to an amazing discovery that products, services, and initiatives are available to help those impacted by this disease. From there, a podcast and advocacy organization was born. Kelsey felt the call like so many before her to turn pain into purpose, and the first episode of The CanSurvivor’s Network was released in April 2018. Kelsey has since created an online community for men and women impacted by cancer and continues to support various cancer-related initiatives. Kelsey is on a mission to release #TheBRAVERYou by helping clients take back their power, make an impact, and gain exposure in entrepreneurial ventures.
Transcend & Ascend
At The CanSurvivor’s Network, we understand that a cancer diagnosis changes everything. Many future dreams have been crushed, forcing options to be reevaluated. Though enduring immense pain, it is never too late to persevere.
Like many newly diagnosed individuals, Kelsey’s life was turned upside-down. Time spent hiking the Arizona mountains were instead spent on chemotherapy and surgeries, rendering simple tasks such as cleaning and grocery shopping impossible. While normalcy was desired, the reality was life had been changed forever. Much to the dismay of many, bouncing back was tough; however, her pre-cancer life was meant to end in order to open new doors and serve a greater purpose of helping others transcend and ascend through the toughest period of their lives. If you are ready to release #TheBRAVERYou, click here to reach out to her directly!
Our Mission
Each year, more than one million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, yet many of us have felt isolated while having this disease. No one gives us a roadmap on how to persevere after enduring surgeries, chemotherapy, and facing our morality. As of June 2019, The CanSurvivor’s Network is developing into an organization with a mission: To eliminate financial toxicity caused by a cancer diagnosis through advocacy, education, and grants. We at The CanSurvior’s Network envision a world without bankruptcy caused by medical expenses.
The CanSurvivor’s Network
Since 2018, Kelsey has been asking, “Universe, what’s good?!” as she interviews guests to uncover products, services and stories relating to individuals with cancer. Bringing heart, knowledge, and reality to an often misunderstood disease, each episode aims to break stigmas and change the status quo. Kelsey is on a mission to release #TheBRAVERYou and encourages anyone who is impacted to listen and participate. New episodes are on their way, so stay tuned! You can find us on Google Play, iHeartRadio, iTunes, Podbean, and YouTube. Click here if you would like to be a guest on the show!
Affiliates
The CanSurvivor’s Network aims to be one of the best cancer resources available. Learning you or someone you know has cancer and is enduring an unforeseen chapter in life is daunting. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are lengthy and exhausting, which result in schedule disruptions. Searching for resources should be easy in order to save time. Barriers to care include lack of available tools, products, and ways to connect with community. Despite these challenges, one aspect of eliminating financial toxicity in the cancer Universe is promotion. We promote educating consumers on ethically supporting patient-owned ventures in order to close gaps.
Surprisingly, founder & CEO Kelsey Smith was diagnosed in 2014 with stage two breast cancer at age 29. Subsequently, this resulted in discovering such barriers firsthand. What started as a blog documenting experiences has since expanded to an online shop and a podcast documenting various experiences with this deadly disease. Visit the blog section to learn more.
Supporting patient-owned entrepreneurial ventures has always been a primary component of The CanSurvivor’s Network. Often, patients are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted from grueling maintenance medications and treatment, rendering them unable to work their usual hours. In addition, patients are preyed upon by muti-level marketing organizations with unprofitable distributor roles, and lacking true ownership. This unfair targeting can stop a successful entrepreneur in their tracks by diminishing their profits, time away from starting their own venture, and alienating loved ones.
The CanSurvivor’s Network primarily focuses on breast cancer resources, and is continuously evolving. We have the utmost respect for anyone who is in the very beginnings of creating a limited liability corporation or owns a seasoned non-profit organization. If you are considering starting a business of your own, we encourage you to see what other patients have done to make their dreams come true. Inspiration is a great motivating factor if you are considering a new path. Click on any logo to learn more about our affiliates!
