Six-Time Cancer Survivor, The Balm Box, A Real Life Story with Liz Benditt

Her Story Unscripted Ep20 "It's a moment in time. It's not your whole life." — Liz Benditt Liz Benditt has heard "How can I help?" after six different cancer diagnoses, and she still fumbles the answer. In this honest conversation, she shares her real life story: the mom who got off a plane to be with her, the second opinion that changed her surgery, the friend who told her she didn't have to be strong, and the business she built so people could finally give something that helps. In this episode, Liz and I talk about: • Her first diagnosis, and the mom who refused to get on the plane • Why a second opinion gave her a voice in her own care • The well-meaning gifts that miss, and the ones that land • "You don't have to be strong," and why cancer isn't a journey • Building The Balm Box from her guest room in her 40s Timestamp 00:00 Cold open — "Trust your judgment, trust your insight" 00:41 Welcome to Her Story Unscripted 01:07 Heather welcomes Liz 02:26 Six cancers, one survey, and the gap she set out to close 03:34 Heather's best friend, and not knowing what to give 05:42 Cancer #1: the mole her mom wouldn't stop nagging her about 06:45 The phone call, and the mom who got off the plane 09:57 Why she never skips her yearly skin check 12:07 Cancer #2: thyroid, and the unexpected gift of time 13:45 Jello shots, and acknowledging the yuck 14:28 Cancer #3 and why a second opinion changed everything 18:39 Two breast cancers, and becoming her friends' go-to 20:50 Radiation, pink stuffed animals, and the great deodorant hunt 22:09 Taking her own comfort into her own hands 26:08 "You don't have to be strong" 26:32 Why cancer isn't a "journey" 28:44 Starting a business in her 40s 31:21 The pivot: from subscriptions to gifts 34:53 From the guest room to a warehouse 35:59 Inside the boxes, and the nonprofits behind them 40:12 Manufacturing, and Andy, her "best friend" 42:32 20,000 boxes and counting 43:53 Trust your instincts, use your network 46:30 Where to find Liz 46:52 Wrap-up Connect with Heather: Website: https://theconnectionhive.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.nels... Instagram:   / the.connection.hive   LinkedIn:   / heathercelestenelson   YouTube:    / @herstoryunscriptedpodcast   About Liz Benditt Liz Benditt is a senior marketing executive with more than 25 years of professional experience and the President and CEO of The Balm Box. After facing six different cancers over the past 15 years, Liz brought together her expertise as a marketer and her experience as a patient to launch TheBalmBox.com, offering functional self-care and gift packages for people going through cancer treatment. She also teaches undergraduate marketing courses at the University of Kansas School of Business, and is a public education and nonpartisan political advocate who serves on the board of directors of the Mainstream Coalition. Liz lives in the Kansas City metro with her husband, their two kids, and one terrible dog. Website: https://thebalmbox.com/pages/contact-us Facebook:   / thebalmbox   Instagram:   / balmboxig   YouTube:    / @thebalmbox