When Shelli Whitehurst heard the words ‘you have cancer’ she went from successful businesswoman to cancer patient in a matter of minutes. Now she has developed a product that is set to make cancer treatment for the world’s 14-million-plus sufferers a more dignified and bearable experience.
Called Kit for Cancer, the luxurious care package is filled with practical items useful for people undergoing chemotherapy.
Shelli said Kit for Cancer has been curated by current and former cancer patients and is designed to support people from the moment they are diagnosed to the ‘next,’ by providing the essentials to assist them through the discomfort of treatment.
“Cancer is ugly, but that doesn’t mean the treatment process has to be,” Shelli says.
“There are so many things people don’t think of when they are about to undergo chemo; how their taste buds will change, how their skin will become sensitive and irritated, and how they will become extremely tired.”
People undergoing chemotherapy experience many side effects on top of the noticeable hair loss – Kit For Cancer contains a collection of products to aid in relief of these symptoms.
Shelli says although everyone is geared towards raising money for future cancer research, the current patients can be forgotten, when they are just as important.
“KIT is the first sentimental gesture that is actually geared towards getting people through the daily regime of treatment,” Shelli says.
KIT donates 30 per cent of its sales directly to cancer support charities including Tour de Cure.
Brand partners that are donating products to help fill Kit include: Chemist Warehouse, Burt’s Bees, LifeSavers and KeepCup. Australia Post is also subsidising postage to keep it to a minimum.
How Kit For Cancer works
- Buy one for someone that has been diagnosed with cancer
- Pay it forward to someone who needs one
- Corporate Opportunities – buy KITs in bulk and come on a KIT mission with us and give them out.
- Corporate Social Responsibility – where KITs can be inbuilt into the company so that when a staff member or a staff members family is diagnosed a KIT is automatically sent to them.
Shelli understands how difficult battling the disease can be, as her breast cancer diagnosis involves widespread metastasis to the bones – this means her cancer is incurable.
The co-founders hope KIT for CANCER can make a difference for those battling cancer in the here and now.
“The uncertainty of what a cancer diagnosis means is frightening – with KIT for CANCER, we want people to know that they are not alone, and provide practical things that will help with their fight.”
So what’s in it?
Journal, Stylus Pen & Thermometer: A journal can assist someone going through this difficult time, to process their feelings and thoughts. It can also allow them to keep track of any notes on their treatment and recovery.
Keeping a journal allows one to keep track of all their personal details, including medications, dosages, side effects, bowel movements and temperature (which can be measured with the thermometer provided). The stylus pen is perfect as one can use it for both the journal and smart devices – very convenient!
Goat’s Milk Soap: A cancer patient’s skin needs extra care during treatment, so it’s important to use gentle products that minimize the chance of skin aggravations. This goat’s milk cheese not only smells and feels divine, but it also nourishes the skin and reduces any chemical interferences.
Argan Face Oil: As a result of chemotherapy and other treatments the skin on the face can become very dry, so this oil is just what the skin needs to feel better. A small amount is all one needs to gently massage it into their face. The results are instant and their face will feel amazing.
Rose Hip Oil: During chemotherapy, most often hair will fall out. This oil will help to relieve the itchiness that arises during this time. This is a great oil to help soothe and nourish the scalp while hair is growing back.
Water Bottle: Water and hydration is vital to treatment. This water bottle conveniently folds up and can be carried at all times for convenience.
Face Wipes: These wipes are great when patients feel like a quick freshen up. Whether that be at the hospital or at home in bed, it’s nice to have these convenient wipes all times to make them feel better.
Biotene Mouthwash, Biotene Toothpaste & Soft Toothbrush: During treatment it is suggested that patients wash their mouths out at least four times a day in order to keep their mouth sanitised and ulcer/sore free. These products are perfect for sensitive teeth and gums.
Fruit Tingles: A patient’s mouth and taste buds will change dramatically, so fruit tingles are the perfect treat to help activate the mouth and assist with any dryness that may have occurred.
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm: Cracked lips are uncomfortable and can be extremely painful, so this balm will ensure one’s lips are nourished.
Hand Sanitiser: It’s important to stay as healthy as possible during treatment, so hand sanitiser is the best way to avoid any unwanted germs and nasties. In a convenient travel pack, patients can pop it in their handbag so they can apply it wherever they are.
Earphones: Whether a patient is at home or the hospital, sometimes they just want to zone out. They can load their favourite tunes onto their music player, pop their earphones in, close their eyes and fall into a dreamy wonderland.
Hydralyte: Hydration is so important and quite often during treatment patients will go through bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause severe dehydration. Hydralyte is the best thing to ensure they get all of your electrolytes back into their body. There are a variety of yummy flavours to choose from, which is a bonus!
Keep Cup: It’s never nice drinking out of plastic or styrofoam cups, so this gorgeous glass Keep Cup is perfect. Great for water, soft drink or a cup of tea or coffee, this cup will ensure patients are drinking in style whether at home or the hospital.
Burt’s Bees Hand Salve: Patients’ hands and nails will go through a rough time, and dry and cracked skin is very unpleasant. Packed with botanical oils, herbs and beeswax, this lotion will have their hands feeling fresh and moisturised at all times.
Moisturiser: A sensitive moisturiser that is great for use on a cancer patient’s face and body. The natural ingredients will constantly keep their skin nourished and will ensure there will be no chemical interference.
To find out more about KIT for CANCER visit kitforcancer.com.
