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)
Kinnect is the platform built to solve this. Private, invite-only, no ads. The Echo feature sends your group one question a day. Kin Groups keep your people close without a public feed or algorithm between you. Start free at kinnect.club.
