Kelly Cox has carved an inspiring path through life, leaving an indelible mark on those she encounters. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) turned Founder, Cox’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and the unwavering pursuit of a higher purpose.
For years, Cox, a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher was the owner of a successful studio specializing in pre and post-natal yoga and support. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it was challenging for her studio to continue to thrive. Cox was faced with a life-altering decision as she decided to close the studio. However, her passion for supporting women through the intricate web of fertility, pregnancy, and the early years of parenthood continued.
One might find it curious that Kelly, who never considered having children herself, found her true calling in aiding others on their path to motherhood. As a birth doula, her unique perspective and empathy allowed her to provide invaluable support during the most transformative moments in a woman’s life.
But it was a pressing issue close to her heart that ultimately inspired Kelly to embark on a remarkable journey. Through her work, she encountered countless families struggling with the challenges of infant feeding, particularly breastfeeding. This seemingly natural act proved to be incredibly difficult for many parents for various reasons. Kelly often found herself redirecting families to Facebook groups for milk donations, recognizing the process as time-consuming and burdensome.
Beginnings of Share the Drop:
One evening, after a long day of teaching two emails changed the course of Kelly’s life. The first was from a former doula client who was moving across the country with a freezer full of breast milk, eager to ensure it reached a family in need. The second email was from a pregnant yoga client, diagnosed with breast cancer while expecting her fourth child. Kelly knew both families, and they lived just miles apart. As she drafted an email to connect them, a notification from the dating app Bumble ignited a groundbreaking idea:
If a dating app could bring people together for various purposes, why couldn’t technology be used to help families share breast milk in their local communities?
The idea simmered in her mind but remained dormant as she juggled running a yoga studio and assisting couples during childbirth. However, fate had other plans in store.
In March 2020, the world came to a standstill due to the pandemic, and her studio was forced to close. It was a painful transition, as the studio had been her second home, a place where she nurtured mothers and held babies in her arms.
Battling Adversity to Launch Share the Drop:
With the closure of the studio, Kelly decided to take her innovative idea seriously.
In March 2020, she formed an LLC and embarked on the daunting journey of app development. Her determination led her to a development team in October 2021, resulting in the creation of the Share the Drop app, now available everywhere on Google Play, while Apple Users can access the same features on the web app.
Amidst all of this, Kelly faced a personal battle with breast cancer.
Diagnosed in 2017, Kelly’s initial prognosis seemed optimistic, but her journey took a sudden turn. She tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, putting her at a significantly higher risk of developing breast, ovarian, skin, and pancreatic cancers. Her simple tumor turned into a complex battle, ultimately leading to a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy to remove her ovaries. Annual check-ups and dermatology appointments became routine, all to ensure that the cancer did not return.
Through it all, Kelly learned the immeasurable value of community and support. She now looks back on her journey and believes that cancer is a formidable adversary, one that she faced with incredible resilience and courage.
Her story is a testament to the strength that lies within every individual, a strength that can inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys. Kelly Cox is a true embodiment of the power of resilience, empathy, and innovation, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can shine bright.
Visit Share the Drop’s website today and learn more about this amazing platform.
