About Us

The Full Story

Hi, my name is Carter Klein, a Junior at Jefferson High School. Many people often ask why I decided to start this fundraising initiative here in Bloomington. To answer that question, my personal connection with breast cancer has been a significant driving force behind my efforts. My mother, Heather Kay Klein, was diagnosed with breast cancer over 12 years ago. Through treatment and care, she overcame it and inspired everyone around her with her resilience. Unfortunately, a few years later, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Despite the difficult treatments and challenges, she remained incredibly strong and continued to be a source of love and encouragement to those she cared about.

One of my favorite memories of her strength and determination was when she was unable to participate in a marathon she had planned to run due to her diagnosis. However, she didn’t let that stop her. Shortly after her doctor’s appointment, she ran the marathon on her own, embodying the perseverance that inspires me to this day.

My mom passed peacefully on June 7, 2023, after fighting with everything she had. Her courage, love, and legacy have inspired me to make a difference in her honor. Over two years ago, I proposed the idea of a fundraiser to my student council, though we faced logistical challenges due to limited time. Then, in the fall of 2024, I reconnected with my student council, and together we launched the fundraiser. With the incredible support of student council leaders and my peers, we raised over $3,000 by selling bracelets and pins, offering prizes to participants.

I named the initiative Care For the Cure, with the goal of expanding beyond my school and creating a broader community impact. So far, we’ve written letters to patients at the Hope Lodge in Rochester—where my mom stayed during her treatment—and I’ve gained valuable experience in managing an organization and building partnerships. The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of community; none of this would have been possible without the collective effort of everyone involved.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.