Shara Cohen, founder of Cancer Care Parcel. (Credit: Courtesy of Cancer Care Parcel)
Her Company Lends Thoughtful Support to Cancer Patients
Shara Cohen created Cancer Care Parcel to make life a little bit easier for people undergoing cancer treatments.
Shara Cohen launched her business, Cancer Care Parcel, after receiving her own cancer diagnosis in 2016. During her treatments, she noticed a lack of thoughtful, practical support options for patients – ones she would have appreciated, that focused on providing relief and relaxation. The London-based founder drew from those personal experiences, as well as those of other survivors, to curate care packages that better speak to the specific physical and emotional needs of cancer patients. Cohen says her experience with cancer has made her more empathetic on the whole, and determined to create a business and a product that can make the journey easier for others.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We create care packages specifically designed for cancer patients, ones that are tailored to their unique emotional and physical needs. Unlike generic gift baskets, our products are thoughtfully curated by other cancer patients, survivors, and healthcare professionals to provide comfort, reduce stress, and support healing.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
The overwhelming positive feedback. Seeing the impact our care packages have on people’s lives, especially during such a difficult time, has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve received countless messages from patients expressing how our packages provided much-needed comfort when they needed it most.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Raising awareness about the importance of non-medical support for cancer patients among the general public. Many people, even including those close to cancer patients, often focus primarily on the medical treatments, not realizing how much emotional and practical support is also needed during the journey.
To address this, we built partnerships with cancer organizations, used social media to share personal stories and testimonials from patients, and collaborated with influencers in the cancer community to spread the word. This has helped us break through misconceptions and demonstrate the value of what we do.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
My cancer diagnosis in 2016 forced me to reevaluate my priorities and consider how I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Stay flexible and open to change. Your initial plan might not always be the final path your business takes. When I started, I thought success would come from sticking closely to my original vision, but over time I realized that adapting to new information, customer needs and market shifts is crucial for growth.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
By reminding myself of the impact my work has on others. Knowing that I’m making a real difference in people’s lives helps me push through difficult times. I also lean on my support network of family, friends and colleagues who help me stay focused on the bigger picture.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Let It Go” from the movie “Frozen.” As an entrepreneur, there are always challenges and setbacks to grapple with, but this song helps me change my mindset and find the strength to keep pushing ahead. It’s a reminder to embrace change, let go of perfection, and trust the process.
Who is your most important role model?
Harvey Milk, the late activist and politician. I admire him not just for his work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, but for his courage to stand up for marginalized voices, and his relentless pursuit of equality. What inspires me most about Milk was his ability to create change by bringing people together, encouraging dialogue, and building inclusive communities. His belief in fighting for the rights of others, even when facing significant personal risks, resonates deeply with my own mission.
Instagram: @cancercareparcel
Facebook: @cancercareparcel
LinkedIn: @cancercareparcel
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