Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Rucker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the Executive Director for Charge Up Campaign. I’m also a wife, mother of two boys, and a District Manager for The Cato Corporation.
Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being a wife, mom, and a working woman, my life was rocked by the diagnosis. After completing treatment and being declared “cancer free”, I was eager for my life to go back to normal. I was inspired to live life to the fullest and enjoy my family, all the while struggling with the trauma that the cancer diagnosis caused in my life.
I was introduced to the founder and CEO of Charge Up Campaign, Charessa Sawyer, by a mutual friend. I fell in love with the Charge Up Campaign’s mission of helping warriors, survivors, and caregivers of people fighting cancer. I recognized by my cancer journey that the entire family is impacted by the fight of cancer, and so many times the battle isn’t over once the warrior is free of cancer. There are lasting effects for everyone involved, and Charge Up Campaign tries to help in all aspects of the journey. Charge Up Campaign has given me an outlet to tell my story and to also be a helping hand and advocate for those fighting this cancer.
Charge Up Campaign – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Charge Up Campaign is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports, educates, empowers, and celebrates men, women, and youth who have fought against health, social, and economic concerns due to the impact of cancer. The organization brings awareness and support to those effect through its support programs, social events, and projects. Our goal is to empower survivors, inspire warriors, and educate communities.
We try to take people’s minds off the diagnosis or the fight, and bring joy, peace, and sometimes just a helping hand to those fighting this battle. We sponsor Pajama Jams where survivors and warriors can come together for a night of fun like singing karaoke, getting massages, taking fun photos, and having pampering sessions. We’ve also hosted what we call “A Day of Celebration”, and that’s where we give a survivor a makeover, photoshoot, and a day of pampering. We also try to assist caregivers by serving in their place with our “Caregiver for a Day” program. In 2018, we hosted our 1st Survivor’s Conference where we had speakers and panelist to offer information and help to our attendees. On June 1, 2019, we will be having our 4th Annual Pink Champagne Gala and Awards to celebrate survivors, healthcare professionals, and other non-profit organizations.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment I’ve had with Charge Up Campaign was at our 1st Pajama Jam. We were all singing and dancing to a song and one survivor burst into tears after the song was finished. She stated that it had been 18 months since she was able to laugh and just have a good time. It’s sometimes forgotten that people fighting cancer need to have moments where the focus is off of the fight. They need time to just have a good time, and I was so proud that we provided that for her. That’s what “charging up” is about… we want to give them the strength to fight another day or to give the means to feel confident again and to see others that have beat it and are thriving so they can too!
Pricing:
- June 1, 2019-Pink Champagne Gala and Awards
- October 2019-2nd Annual Survivor’s Conference
- Donate to Charge Up Campaign – text CHARGE to 31996 or donate through CashApp at $Chargeupcampaign
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chargeupcampaign.com
- Phone: 404-324-0507
- Email: kathyrucker.chargeup@gmail.com chargeupcampaign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chargeupcampaign and @kshamruck1
- Facebook: Charge Up Campaign, Personal – Kathryn Shamaine Knox-Rucker
Image Credit:
Shon Browner Photography and Ace Photos and Designs
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