The Back Story - The idea was born during a chairlift conversation with my partner and our friends about creating apparel items as a passion project on the side. A way to incorporate our Irreverent sense of humor about life and all that has been learned from working in design, music, media, entertainment, collectibles & memorabilia over the past 30 years.
We began building the company. The business was set up and the creative work on names, logo, first designs, and collection ideas got underway. It all was moving along and it was an amazing creative outlet for our nights and weekends.
Then, a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia upended life as we knew it. It derailed the creativity and the enjoyment we were having on this project. Work halted as we focused on the challenge of cancer treatment and kicking cancer's ass!
But during the chemotherapy and immunotherapy process the creative passion re-emerged. Keeping this vision alive made the long days and nights in the hospital a little easier, giving us something positive to focus on. From the ongoing discussions and creative ideation, the name and the logo were born and designs emerged throughout the challenges of the experience.
The Outcome - After aggressive chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, numerous infections from being immunocompromised, months of hospitalization, and ongoing transfusions for recovery...the cancer is in remission. We chose July 24, 2026 as the day we push the first iteration of the shop into the world as it is the 2 year anniversary of when treatment began.
Our Philosophy - We have a belief that things happen for a reason, that the Universe shows you signs, synchronicities, or sometimes it just gives you a huge kick in the ass and forces you to pay attention...like through the challenge of a cancer diagnosis.
The Mission - We will be donating $5 from the sale of every item and 100% of the $ from the FK CANCER Collective T-Shirt in the shop. Our way of thanking the doctors and nurses at Mass General Hospital, especially those on Lunder 10 and Yawkey 8 & 9 who cared and supported us through a difficult and challenging time.
Caring For A Cure - founded in 2011 by the nurses of the Adult Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant program at Mass General with a goal to improve the journey of patients and families with cancer through research, resources, and awareness.
OUR BRAND:
Irreverent - a bit of an attitude toward rules and regulations that are culturally common and characterized by a lighthearted, exuberant, witty, sarcastic attitude with an FU edge. That describes us and our mindset most of the time. NO APOLOGIES!
The Skull logo - Skulls are sometimes considered symbols of courage and bravery. For many people, skulls symbolize resilience after overcoming life's hardest challenges. We present this logo to the world for people who are fighting their own fight, facing their own challenges and want to wear a symbol to remind them of their courage. We wear it in honor and memory of friends who weren't as lucky and passed away during the 2 years of being treated. May they Rest In Peace.
Fortune Cookie Wisdom (FCW) is one of those things that we believe in. These simple, sometimes profound, aphorisms found inside fortune cookies can feel like signs and synchronicities from the universe.The wisdom can encourage self-reflection and inspire action, encouraging believers to make bold decisions and achieve their dreams.
FCW logo - is a Chinese seal, a signature "chop" used alone or with our Fortune Cookie messages in proprietary designs for apparel and accessories.
In the end, we don't know if any of this will resonate with you. But this project, like life, needed to move forward and be completed. Despite the challenges we've faced—and whatever lies ahead—we can proudly say: "Here. We created this. We hope you enjoy it."
ONWARD!