We deserve better.
By: Shea Mencel, Co-founder, We Are Here
In 2018, at 29, I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.
I faced the full spectrum of treatment—double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, reconstruction, and hormone therapy. Before chemo, I fought for IVF retrieval, giving my husband and me a chance at parenthood through surrogacy. I also scalp-cooled through treatment, proving my oncologist wrong and keeping my hair. From the start, I was determined to forge a meaningful path forward that inspired control of my story and investment in my longevity.
I reached remission in 2019, but in 2021, the cancer returned as an early-stage metastatic recurrence to my bones. That second diagnosis pushed me to “turn garbage into gold.” I knew my access to resources played a significant role in my healing, yet I still felt the gaps in care firsthand.
I was constantly advocating—sometimes begging—for what I needed. Why wasn't mental health support, menopause care, or help for my husband standard? Why did I have to fight so hard for basic resources?
There had to be a better way.
Enter: We Are Here.
Why We Are Here Exists
Navigating cancer isn’t just about treatment—it’s about managing every aspect of life that gets disrupted along the way. The logistics alone are a full-time job. Finances, appointments, insurance nightmares, mental health struggles—it’s relentless. Without the right connections or resources, the cancer journey can become an overwhelming maze.
We Are Here is the solution I wish existed when I was first diagnosed. A digital health platform that simplifies the chaos, connects patients with critical resources, and removes financial, emotional, and logistical barriers to make the impossible feel possible. Our team? Every single person has been personally affected by cancer. We get it. And we’re focused on minimizing the gaps and ensuring people get the support they deserve.
How We’re Changing the Game
We Are Here is not another cancer resource website. It’s modernizing cancer navigation.
- Personalized content —because Google searches lead to panic spirals.
- Customized navigation—so you don’t have to figure out what comes next.
- Real talk, real people, real support—from people who get it.
- A curated network of resources, services, and products—most free or heavily discounted.
We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” cancer care. Everyone’s journey is different. We ensure that support is always focused on a holistic and bio-individual approach.
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Healthcare systems are drowning. Patients are struggling. Caregivers are exhausted. The reality is staggering—75% of adult cancer patients skip or delay care because they can’t afford it. We Are Here exists to change that, ensuring no one has to choose between health and financial stability.
By actively addressing the everyday needs of people impacted by cancer, we’re not just making life easier; we’re improving outcomes.
Imagine a world where people facing cancer don’t have to scramble for financial aid, don’t have to Google “How do I pay rent during chemo?” or “Will insurance cover my treatment?” Imagine if every patient had a roadmap—not just for survival, but for life beyond cancer. That’s what we’re building.
The Impact of Our Partnership with Kinnect
As someone who's personally experienced the challenges of navigating cancer care, I know how vital it is to have the right resources and support at the right time. Platforms like Kinnect and We Are Here are making it possible for people to access the tools and community they need—whether it's for emotional support, guidance through treatments, or simply to connect with others who truly understand. By combining personalized care with innovative technology, we are slowly but surely shifting how cancer navigation is done.
Cancer doesn’t wait. And neither do we. Let’s change the narrative—together.
