Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Connor.
Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1991, I attended law school at the University of Georgia. Upon graduation in 1994, I joined a large law firm in midtown, where I practiced as a business litigator for ten years. In 2001, my world was turned upside down when my newborn son was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. At the time, this type of childhood cancer had a 40-50% five-year survival rate. It was devastating and life-changing. I was immersed in a world of suffering I knew virtually nothing about.
My son’s cancer journey was two years long. In November 2003, he was declared cancer-free. While we were thankful, he had beaten his disease, I was forever changed. I had made many friends “in the trenches” of the childhood cancer war zone and seen tremendous suffering. In 2004, one of my friends lost her son. This was the first (unfortunately not the last) death of a child I experienced. It was completely life-altering to watch a child endure such suffering as his disease progressed – and to watch his parents desperately try to find some form of treatment somewhere in the world to save him. In September 2004, this little boy died.
It was then that I knew I had to direct all of my time and energy – and my skills as an advocate – to fighting childhood cancer. In 2004, I transitioned from law to the nonprofit sector. First, I worked for a national childhood cancer organization. In 2006, I became Executive Director of CURE Childhood Cancer, an Atlanta-based non-profit founded in 1975 by the city’s first pediatric oncologist. My goal was and still is to do everything I can to advance scientific research so all children have a chance to grow up and realize their dreams.
Since 2006, CURE has raised nearly $70 million. We have invested this money in innovative research and treatment options which are saving lives. We have deepened and expanded our support of patients and their families in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. I am proud of what this wonderful organization has accomplished, but there is still much work to be done.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been 15 years of very hard work. When I joined CURE’s staff, the organization was very small. I was only the third person on the team. I had to build consensus among board members about the direction of the organization, and some of the changes I made were difficult for some to accept. That said, the board as a whole has been incredibly supportive of my leadership, and over many years, they have empowered me to make changes I have felt important in order to grow and advance our mission.
Another significant challenge has been the lack of resources. Nonprofits are virtually always under-resourced because donors generally don’t want nonprofits to spend money on infrastructure and staffing (i.e., “overhead”) which can be so important to scale the organization – and, therefore, enable us to solve the problems we exist to solve. It creates a real dilemma for nonprofits. Contrary to what many people assume, the hours are extremely long, and the work is all-consuming. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. My work is my calling.
The most difficult challenge continues to be witnessing the suffering of children and their families. We strive to develop relationships with the families we serve, which is what enables us to understand and respond to their needs. The relationships are authentic and meaningful, so the suffering is personal.
As you know, we’re big fans of CURE Childhood Cancer. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to finding less toxic treatments and cures for children with cancer. Each year, we invest several million dollars in innovative research aimed at solving cancers which affect children. We also provide critical support to childhood cancer patients and their families.
The Aflac Cancer Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has the highest volume of oncology patients of any pediatric cancer center in the country. This means the need for patient and family support is also higher than anywhere in the country. CURE strives to meet that need by working closely with the hospital staff to help the families in their care. We provide emergency financial assistance, professional counseling services, meals to hospitalized children and their families three days each week, lodging for families traveling for treatment, bereavement support, and much more. What makes me most proud and what sets us apart are one in the same: every person on our team, from staff to our board of directors, is focused on the mission, and each and every day, we positively impact the lives of those we serve. Every decision made is with an eye on beating childhood cancer and serving our families. We are authentic in our relationships and in our efforts and passionate about our families.
I’m also proud of the research we are funding. In partnership with the Aflac Cancer Center, CURE is responsible for bringing an innovative form of treatment to Atlanta. Called precision medicine, doctors look at the variability in the genes of each patient in order to find the right treatment. Not only does this ensure children with cancer receive treatments most likely to work, it also informs doctors as to the treatments that aren’t likely to work. This means many children are spared ineffective treatments that would be very toxic to their growing bodies.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve had many great mentors throughout my career. I know mentoring today can be a formal relationship. But for me, my best, most impactful mentors were people I once worked for or met organically and developed relationships with over time. I am a student at heart and always want to learn and be better. So, the genuine interest in advice and guidance was the basis for all my great mentorships. I encourage young people today to approach professionals with more experience in this same way. Be genuine in your interest in their success, ask questions and seek guidance from those you admire.
Contact Info:
- Email: kristin@curechildhoodcancer.org
- Website: curechildhoodcancer.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curechildcancer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curechildhoodcancer
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CUREchildcancer
