ABOUT CANCER BE GLAMMED

Cancer Be Glammed, LLC was founded by Lisa Lurie and Ellen Weiss Kander after their own experiences with illness, treatment and recovery.  Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Lisa underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, while Ellen endured chemotherapy for a rare blood disorder. Both women, close friends, experienced first-hand the devastating side effects of surgery and treatment. When Lisa was diagnosed in 2008, she went into what she describes as a “cancer induce free-fall.” Within a matter of weeks, she became bald, breast-less, and bloated from steroids. She was totally unprepared for the daily reality of surgery and treatment.

Demoralized, Lisa turned to Ellen to help her find clothes and products that would make her look and feel better, including stylish alternatives to her “chemo uniform” of sweatpants, denim shirt, and bandana. Lisa felt it was hard enough to be sick, did she have to look sick too?”

Lisa started looking online while Ellen hit the stores in search of headscarves with beautiful patterns, stylish mastectomy bras, fashionable alternatives to sweatpants, skin care products designed for treatment sensitive skin and more. They found it difficult and soon realized that other women going through cancer treatment might be experiencing the same challenges.

In 2010, Lisa and Ellen launched Cancer Be Glammed to help women recover with their confidence, self-esteem, and style intact.  

They launched their unique website, www.CancerBeGlammed.com, to provide women with a single resource that features easy, online access to fashionable yet practical recovery products and style solutions. And for family and friends who want to show their love and support, the website offers a selection of thoughtful and useful gifts.  

To help women get started, and to prepare them for the non-medical, side effects of surgery and treatment, Lisa and Ellen wrote a style guide, “What The Doctor Didn’t Order,” which highlights potential side effects and provides product and style solutions. In addition, a Personal Concierge Service is available to offer individual style and shopping advice or to make gift recommendations.  

It’s been a little over two years since Cancer Be Glammed launched and the response has been tremendous. One of the most exciting aspects is CBG’s involvement with its growing online community.   Through the CBG blog, and social media like Facebook, women in treatment and their families benefit by a wide world of experience,advise, and support.

Today, some of the best products that Cancer Be Glammed showcases are “Survivor Inspired,” designed by women who couldn’t find a recovery solution and created their own.  Very similar to how Cancer Be Glammed got started.

In 2011, Co-founder and President, Ellen Weiss Kander retired due to illness. She passed away from Liver Cancer in the summer of 2012. Co-founder and CEO Lisa Lurie is determined to carry on Ellen’s legacy and is moving forward with the business plans they had made. According to Lisa, “Ellen’s courage, passion to help others, and her unique sense of style will always be the heartbeat and hallmark of Cancer Be Glammed. ”   

CO-FOUNDERS' BIOS

Lisa Lurie

Lisa is a writer who worked as a television producer for many years at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh (CBS) and also served as the Senior Corporate Video Producer for ALCOA, the world's leading aluminum manufacturer. She will tell you though that her best productions to date are her two daughters, Michelle and Gillian.

Diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer at the age of 47, Lisa found it a challenge to maintain her dignity and self-esteem following a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Frustrated by her own experience, she became determined to make it easier for other women to recover with confidence, self-esteem, and style.

A graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Broadcasting, she is married to Brian Lurie and lives in Pittsburgh with her daughters.

Ellen Weiss Kander

Formerly a Wall Street attorney, Ellen returned to Pittsburgh to work in her family's business, Weisshouse, a leading home furnishing and design store. For several years after that she served as executive director of the Steeltown Entertainment Project, a non-profit that she co-founded. Created to attract the television and film industries to Pittsburgh, Steeltown also helps mentor young, aspiring filmmakers.

Ellen earned her undergraduate degree in Urban Affairs from George Washington University and her law degree from Boston University.

Ellen understood how hard it was to hang onto your “sense of self” while feeling devastated from treatment. Struggling with a rare blood disorder, she too had undergone chemotherapy.

Ellen supported Lisa throughout her illness. When Lisa recovered, they became determined to help other women coping with cancer have information, product options, and style solutions at their fingertips. Together, over Lisa’s kitchen table they founded Cancer Be Glammed.

In 2011, Ellen retired from Cancer Be Glammed due to illness. She passed away from Liver Cancer in the summer of 2012.

Ellen was devoted to her family. Her husband Gregg, her three children, Ben, Jacob, and Kate, and their dog, Sunny, were her greatest joy.

“Ellen was known for her beauty, her style, her passion to help others, and her wonderful sense of humor. She was a great business partner, -- and an even better friend.” –Lisa

Cancer Be Glammed is her legacy.