Ep. 52: Elissa Kalver, WeGotThis.org

A somber yet powerful message as we head into Thanksgiving. Elissa's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find strength and purpose in the face of adversity. By leaning in and truly listening to her experience, we can gain invaluable insights into resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of community. Understanding her journey not only sheds light on the challenges faced by cancer thrivers but also illuminates the extraordinary ways in which individuals can redefine success, embrace life, and inspire others to do the same. Learning from Elissa's story empowers us to cultivate compassion, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of human connection, especially during times of hardship. Key Takeaways: * Life is richer when we are of service to others. Elissa’s journey with stage IV metastatic breast cancer inspired her to create a platform that supports others going through similar challenges. * Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social good. Elissa’s business acumen enabled her to identify a gap in cancer support and create a solution that benefits both thrivers and their supporters. * Community is crucial for navigating life's challenges. We Got This fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, empowering individuals to thrive despite their circumstances. * Giving and receiving support is essential for healing. The We Got This platform facilitates both, enabling thrivers to ask for what they need and supporters to contribute meaningfully. * Redefining success means living a full life, even amidst adversity. Elissa’s "Road to a Million" campaign reflects her determination to make a lasting impact and inspire others to live their best lives. Key Components of WeGotThis.org: * Cancer Gift Registry: Allows cancer thrivers to create registries for products and services that support their well-being, making it easier for loved ones to help. * Recommendations Page: Provides crowd-sourced recommendations for products and services that enhance comfort and joy for thrivers, featuring partnerships with brands like Bombas, Long Wharf Supply Co. Tropy Smack, and Crocs. * Resources: Connects thrivers with a network of partner nonprofits offering various support services, such as financial assistance and emotional support. Breast Cancer Statistics: * 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. * 30% of those diagnosed in earlier stages will experience a recurrence. * Nearly 100% of breast cancer deaths occur in stage IV. * Only 2-5% of breast cancer funding goes towards stage four metastatic breast cancer research. Road to $1,000,000 Raised: * Elissa aims to raise $1,000,000 for We Got This by the end of 2024 through public speaking engagements, corporate partnerships, and individual donations. Big #GivingTuesday effort is underway. Stay tuned! * The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of supporting cancer thrivers and their families. * With $900,000 already raised, Elissa is determined to reach her goal and continue expanding We Got This's impact. Call to Action: * Visit wegotthis.org to learn more, create a registry, or donate. * Follow We Got This on social media for updates and ways to get involved. * Spread the word about this vital resource for the cancer community. * Elissa's upcoming book, available for pre-order and shipping in June, delves into redefining success and what it means to "win" in the context of life with cancer. * Watch our full conversation on YouTube This podcast episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to thrive. Elissa story is an inspiration, and We Got This is an invaluable resource for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worthyforthirty.substack.com