Karen's Story

Creating Kare'n Totes has been a personal journey for me. I am a cancer survivor. In 1992 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and in 2006 breast cancer. I have undergone surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I also have been a caregiver for family members and friends recovering from surgeries, illness, and cancer.

After facing cancer for a second time, I found it was difficult to find a streamlined way to access the necessities I needed to manage the symptoms I was experiencing. It was very stressful finding products that worked, were natural, and supported healing, when I was sick, scared and exhausted. I didn't want others to have to go through the same tedious process.

I began researching the products that worked for me, for others and that were suggested by doctors and nurses at the cancer center and hospital. I narrowed down a list of common items that helped to manage the daily symptoms that occur with recovery from cancer, illness and surgery. I began looking for products and items that where supportive of healing with the fewest side effects. Many of the products on the market contain petroleum products, or chemicals that undermine health and recovery. I chose to steer clear of these ingredients when possible. Bodies that are recovering from an illness, cancer or surgery don't need the extra burden of chemicals. I began to design care packages in the form of gift totes and baskets that assist with recovery from a variety of life and health challenges.

My goal is to help ease the healing journeys of others by creating care packages that support the body while recuperating from health issues or loss of a loved one. The convenience of having access to our care packages alleviates the stress that people go through while searching for comforting supportive gifts for a loved one