When Kaffee42 began, it started with a simple dream of mine that quickly grew to be something more. I was very young when I thought of creating a coffee business. There was something about coffee I’ve always loved, bringing both people and life events together over something warm, comforting, and meaningful. Coffee has always been more than just a drink for me, it’s life, it creates moments of enjoyment regardless of what time of day you brew yourself a cup.

Coffee has been an important source of comfort for me; one I turned to in earnest when I found out my dad had cancer. It crashed into my structured life unexpectedly and my family and I faced one of the greatest, and most unwelcome challenges of our lives. 

My dad was diagnosed with a serious condition called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This condition can evolve into Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and my dad had a fairly aggressive variant. It is the same thing that killed astronomer Carl Sagan, YouTube personality Talia Castellano, and fashion designer Mary McFadden. Actor Larry Hagman died of AML, a condition that began as MDS. TV personality Robin Roberts (Good Morning America) had the same bone marrow transplant treatment that my dad received.

My dad's MDS could easily have progressed into Leukemia if we had discovered it later than we did. I don't need to go over how deadly this Leukemia is.

We were told that eventually his cancer would require intensive treatment, including a serious bone marrow transplant that was crucial and potentially lethal in its own right. What followed after the news was an agonizingly long, and painfully difficult road for me, filled with uncertainty, anger, strength, courage, and hope.

Throughout that entire frightening experience, we witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of doctors, nurses, researchers, caregivers, and organizations dedicated to fighting cancer and supporting patients and their families. To us they were like family and we hadn’t felt that much warmth anywhere else here for a long time. We learned how important cancer research is and how it enables treatment advancements. The people at the Clearview Cancer Institute and University of Alabama (Birmingham), provided compassionate care and did everything they could to walk us through the process of fighting this cancer. We saw, and I saw, so many hopeless and hopeful people flooding the waiting rooms and it made my heart ache. Cancer isn’t a road anyone asks permission to walk. We also saw how much hope can mean during life's hardest moments.

Because of this journey, I felt called to give back. My family agreed that donating to important causes is essential for those who need extensive care. A portion of our coffee sales will be donated to support cancer research at the University of Alabama where my dad received treatment. Every bag purchased becomes something to help someone battling this lethal disease, so they can keep enjoying their brews each morning. I want this to become part of a mission to support those currently fighting battles they never expected to face, never asked for; those who think their life is over, and those who think the battle is too hard and not worth it anymore.

This cause is deeply personal to our family and to me especially. We know very, very well, the fear that comes with a diagnosis, the exhaustion of treatment, and the gratitude that comes from having access to life-saving care. We also know that behind every patient is a family hoping, praying, and standing beside them every step of the way.

Our goal is simple! To use this business as a way to spread awareness, knowledge, create community, and help bring comfort to others. If our family's experience has taught us anything, it's that even small acts of love, a shoulder to cry on, and support can make a meaningful difference, if it helps someone take another breath and live a little longer. 

Thank you, and everyone else participating for being part of this journey. We give a percentage of our net profits to the University of Alabama Birmingham's O'Neal Cancer Center. So, with every cup of coffee you enjoy, whether it be in the morning, after a workout, in the evening if you’re bold enough, you're helping us honor the strength of cancer patients, support vital research, and contribute to a future where more families can hear the words, "You're going to be okay. You’re going to live. This isn’t the end, it’s just another chapter.” 

When working together we’re all creating more than coffee, we are planting comfort and support.