The COC Founder

Who is Mary Jenkins, The coc Founder?

As a 2 time breast cancer survivor I humbly take on responsibilities as acting President/CEO of the COC. Through great personal adversity I created this organization designed to be the help for others that was not available to me during my journey.

What lead to the conception of the COC?

As a parent, the furthest thing one imagines is being diagnosed with cancer; for me, Breast Cancer, stage III almost stage IV, Triple Negative, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma to be exact. I remember taking time off work for appointments and tests, starting chemotherapy, getting very sick- bedridden for days, getting laid off so I could focus on recovery, needing financial assistance to help me pay my rent and utilities, going to the well-known cancer organizations only to be told ‘we don’t do that, we fund research, treatment and awareness’, and applying for welfare cash assistance but getting denied. There was no cancer or other organization to turn to for help the way I needed, I was led to do something… I knew I was not the only one who needed help paying bills.

Where are your sights set for the COC?

To increase survivorship! I know that sounds like a grand statement and it’s meant to be. I believe the efforts, outreach, and the support the organization will continue to give to these survivors will help them create AMAZING recovery experiences.

One can imagine how ‘heavy’ willingly existing in the cancer space can be, what keeps you going?

I keep going because the COC isn’t about me… it’s about the people in treatment who need help just like I did years ago. I know that it is my assignment to be a voice of hope to those in the toughest battle of their lives.