Title:Cancer survivor pays it forward

When Sonia Su (G’20) began her journey at Georgetown to pursue a master’s degree in Asian Studies at the School of Foreign Service, her goal was to work abroad. The path to her goal was disrupted when she received a cancer diagnosis during her second semester.

Su originally planned to apply for a Boren Fellowship during her second year to study Mandarin in Taiwan— a plan she followed when her cancer went into remission. But within months, she relapsed and had to return to the U.S. Once recovered, she resumed her master’s program and graduated in May 2020.

“I would not be here without Georgetown,” says Su. “Despite having gone through such a difficult time in my life, I am glad it was when I was at Georgetown. The people there helped me realize that I can still make a difference.”

Professors Victor Cha, Dave Muchow, and Dale Murphy guided her career. When Su started to form the idea of Kits to Heart, a nonprofit that provides care packages for cancer patients at hospitals, she looked into business courses that would count toward her graduate degree. Muchow encouraged her to enter the Bark Tank pitch competition, which secured the initial funds to launch the organization in 2020, and Murphy helped shape the idea of caring for the community.

“Georgetown gives students that flexibility to explore other options,” says Su. “I really am grateful for the opportunities and the faculty were really instrumental for my nonprofit.”

Each Kits to Heart includes a selection of curated items based on Su’s own cancer experience and patient feedback: face masks, hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle, body lotion for dry skin, ginger chews to help with nausea, herbal tea, origami cranes of hope, hand-written letters, knit items made by volunteers, and more.

The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, where Su was treated, was the first facility to receive the care kits. Within two years, the organization reached all 50 states. Currently over 8,000 kits have been distributed.

“It was a real full circle moment. I’ve been a patient so I understand how difficult that journey can be. Now I’m well again and support others going through that time,” says Su.

Su also added seasonal art therapy workshops to help patients, health care workers, and caregivers have a safe space to connect through art.

In 2023, Su was an honoree of L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth and an inductee of 40 under 40 in Cancer.

“To receive those honors validated my work, and reminded me that I have a lot more to do,” says Su.