"Dr. Kvitko proudly Presents an Interview With Mary Jenkins founder of The Cancer Options Collaborative”, Episode 352

Episode #352 Air Date: 10/05/14

Mary Jenkins is the Founder and CEO of Cancer Option Collaborative, affectionately referred to as “The Collaborative”. The Collaborative, formerly Christians Overcoming Cancer, is the 501C3 nonprofit organization she founded while treatment herself for Stage III, almost Stage IV, Breast Cancer. The organization was founded to answer to the problem almost all cancer patients face while in active treatment.

Under her leadership “The Collaborative” has provided awareness, emotional support and financial relief services to people nationally and has established contacts with cancer organizations globally. In 2013 Ms. Jenkins spearheaded a complete re-structuring of the organization which has led to the formation of three sub-companies each with a direct service mandate.

Having lived a life of incredible experiences, including being married, a mother of three sons and a widow by age 25, Ms. Jenkins learned early on how to face adversities from that strong position deep inside.

Her conviction, courage, determination, faith and strength fuel her passion to encourage and inspire everyone she encounters. People who have had Ms. Jenkins speak a word into their life have coined the life changing event "The Mary Jenkins Experience". Many have seen lives impacted simply by the words she imparts as she speaks with authority and compassion.

Ms. Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Savannah State University, in Savannah, Georgia. In 1995 she moved to Columbus, Ohio to continue her education. She studied theology at the Bible Way Theological Institute and ministerial training at the Ministry Training Center of Columbus Christians Center Church. Her business acumen came from the INCREASE CDC School of Business and Commerce.

Since forming the Cancer Option Collaborative she has been recognized locally and nationally by numerous peer organizations. The Susan G. Komen Foundation celebrated her with the Pat Hughes Award of Inspiration. FUZE Beverage recognized as a Hero for Hope. The INCREASE CDC named her Nonprofit Micro Entrepreneur of the Year and Alumnus of the Year and she received nomination for the coveted Jefferson Award. The business publication, Business First, honorably mentioned her as a Healthcare Hero for “Care to the Underserved” and in 2012 she was named as one of “20 Outstanding Women in America to Know”.

She is the chosen parent of three sons, Edwin, Joseph, and Jerry ages 28, 26, and 24 respectively.