Meet Jessica DeCristofaro | Founder of Chemo Kits/Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica DeCristofaro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Chemo Kits directly helps the cancer community know that those fighting against cancer are not alone. As a stage four cancer survivor, I personally customize each kit with items that a cancer fighter actually needs and is sure to like. Every kit includes a personalized note from myself sharing my story. Many people that are diagnosed with cancer can feel that they are completely alone in their fight. By sharing my story with them, the goal is for my story to give the recipient the strength that they need to fight through theirs.

What should our readers know about your business?
After my battle with cancer and finding out that I was in remission in 2016, I wanted to give back to the cancer community. I would spend my nights and weekends making care packages and delivering them to local cancer centers, as well as mailing them to cancer fighters through out the world found via social media. I found that when I was battling cancer, care packages were always an awkward subject, and no one knew exactly what to include in them. My apartment became flooded with flowers (which I had to dispose of since I was neutropenic) and coloring books which I didn’t even use. Nonetheless, the majority of my time was spent at my cancer center, or feeling sick from all of the side effects of my chemotherapy. I loved coming home to packaged in the mail and I wanted to curate packages of necessities that patients would actually use, and like! That’s when I founded Chemo Kits. I had such a great response and patients loved the kits so much that I eventually turned my hobby into a business. I think the best part of my brand is that I’m a sign of hope for so many people fighting cancer. I have such a crazy story, and sharing it with every kit can really give many patients the strength that they need to fight through their own story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am pretty low key, so I would do dinner at Doma and drinks around Wynwood area. Depending on the weather, I would do something outdoors like Vizcaya museum, and boating is always an option too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Chemo Kits wouldn’t be here today without the support of my friends, family, and most importantly, a good friend and mentor Christian of Marketang Group. Being an entrepreneur is challenging and some days are better than others. Since Day 1, Christian has always believed in the vision of my company and wanted me to succeed. He has always pushed me to go the extra mile and for that I am extremely thankful.

Website: www.chemo-kits.com

Instagram: personal: @jessdecris business:@chemokits