Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandice Rose.
Hi Kandice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In 2010, Kandice is a 3x cancer survivor with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia (all stage four). Kandice also received a bone marrow transplant from her sister the second diagnoses and a stem transplant the third diagnose. When Kandice was diagnosed the third time, she pursued treatment at the renowned M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. Amid her personal battles, Kandice and her high school friend Lindsey founded “Pretty Girls with Cancer™” shortly before Lindsey’s unfortunate passing due to ovarian cancer.
Kandice’s initiatives have been wide-ranging and impactful over the last ten years. Through “Pretty Girls with Cancer™,” she collaborated with the “Be The Match™” program to locate donors for cancer patients. She also served as the Survivorship Chair for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life™” and initiated the “Totes of Love” project to provide comfort to cancer patients undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson, Texas Children, and Methodist Hospitals. Additionally, she developed “Coinz 4 Kids With Cancer” currently in local school districts and the Mind, Body & Soul Therapeutic Retreat for cancer survivors and patients all focusing on mental health and self-care.
Presently, Kandice is a dedicated advocate and mental health professional, extending her support to all those impacted by cancer diagnoses. She holds a master’s in social work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker… Her journey will culminate in becoming a psychotherapist in 2024, a testament to her unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Bereaved by the loss of her mother to ovarian and colon cancer, brother to Sacoma, grandmother to non-Hodgkins, and great-grandmother to breast cancer Kandice is resolute in her mission to empower cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers in matters concerning their mental well-being. Kandice is the only survivor in her family, and the loss of Co-Founder Lindsey has also added to her grieving process throughout the years.
The challenges of self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of cancer returning but staying positive and providing support to others. Prioritizing my self-Care: underestimating the importance of taking care of her own health and well-being, Staying resilient. PGWC has been challenging, but the impact we have made is incredibly rewarding. Staying resilient, at times having no money, using personal money, feeling like we’re not doing enough, not able to help everyone, but remaining committed to our mission.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
The Mission Connecting cancer survivors, patients & caregivers together through therapeutic sessions, services & wellness activities to empower their mental health.
Focus: Mental Health and Cancer
Future Programs
Therapeutic Retreat ” Mind, Body and Soul”
Pretty Girls With Cancer therapeutic retreat offers numerous benefits and support for individuals who are battling cancer and their caregivers. Our therapeutic retreats are complimentary to cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers through donations and sponsorships.
Coinz 4 Kids With Cancer is a fun and simple fundraiser to educate kids and adults about giving back. Collecting coins can have a huge impact in the battle against childhood cancer. Coinz 4 Kids With Cancer is an ideal program for a class school, club, organization, business offices, or church to participate in the fun.
Support Circle
Overall, mental health sessions for cancer survivors and patients play a vital role in enhancing their emotional well-being, fostering resilience, and improving their overall quality of life throughout their cancer journey and beyond.
Monthly Mental Health Sessions and Girl’s Hang Out
License Professional Counselors on the PGWC Board… support group for men facing cancer with their wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, etc.
Set Us Apart? Groups consist of: ” Depression And Cancer”, “Anxiety”, ” Women’s Who’s Husbands Cheat On Them”, S*x and Cancer” we do not focus on the traditional sessions; we talk about sessions that other support groups do not want to. We are not like other nonprofits; we focus on all cancer, children, and women. We have special programs for men. We have women from 19 to 65 years old. We have a diverse board with mental health professionals, cancer survivors, and dedicated volunteers. We’re celebrating our 10-year anniversary this year!!! We run on private funding only.
What I’m proud of? PGWC was an idea from two friends, and we’ve been able to have our programs in TX Children, Methodist, and MD Anderson. We have our program at multiple school districts, and so many people told me to stop focusing on my nonprofit because it would not be successful. I’m proud to be a 3x cancer survivor helping caregivers (I was my mom’s caregiver), a cancer survivor, and mental health professional. I’m proud that we’re the little nonprofit that could and doing it. I have sacrificed my personal and professional career to ensure that PGWC becomes a household name. We have other cities like Dallas, Austin, and Waco interested in chapters, and we have serviced woman far as Africa with supportive information.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Advice for those who are just starting out in a nonprofit organization, especially in the context of a nonprofit focused on cancer and mental health issues, facing challenges such as skepticism about the vision, limited funds, an inexperienced board, and competing with larger corporate nonprofits while also dealing with health issues:
Believe in Your Vision and Mission: When starting out, it’s crucial to maintain unwavering belief in your organization’s mission. Many will doubt or question your vision, but your passion and conviction can be powerful motivators for yourself and your team.
Build a Strong Support System: Seek out mentors, advisors, or individuals who share your passion and can provide guidance. Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who believe in your cause.
Financial Resourcefulness: In the initial stages, creative financial management is key. Explore various fundraising strategies, including grants, sponsorships, and crowdfunding. Be frugal with expenses and prioritize where your funds will have the most impact.
Volunteer Support: Inexperience on your board can be compensated by enthusiastic volunteers who bring fresh perspectives and energy. Tap into your community and find individuals who are willing to donate their time and skills to help your organization grow.
Collaborate with Existing Nonprofits: Instead of seeing larger corporate nonprofits as competitors, explore collaboration opportunities. Working together on projects or initiatives can be mutually beneficial and help you access additional resources.
Educate and Communicate: Address skepticism about your vision by consistently and transparently communicating your mission, goals, and achievements. Show tangible results and the impact of your work to build trust and credibility.
Prioritize Self-Care: Don’t underestimate the importance of taking care of your own health and well-being, especially when dealing with health issues. Burnout can be a real challenge in nonprofit work, so make self-care a priority.
Seek Professional Help: If health issues are affecting your ability to lead the organization effectively, consider seeking professional assistance or counseling to manage your health and maintain balance in your life.
Learn from Mistakes: Understand that mistakes are part of the journey. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; instead, view them as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Stay Resilient: The nonprofit world can be challenging, but the impact you can make is incredibly rewarding. Stay resilient, adapt to change, and remain committed to your mission. Overcoming obstacles will only make your organization stronger in the long run.
Staying dedicated to your vision, building a supportive community, and continuously learning and adapting, you can navigate the early stages and work towards creating a lasting impact in the cancer and mental health space.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettygirlswithcancer.org
- Instagram: prettygirlswithcancer
- Facebook: prettygirlswithcancer
- Youtube: prettygirlswithcancer
