Scotch Plains Survivor Creates Sweet Treat For Cancer Patients

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Samantha Kowalczyk, who is a breast cancer survivor, is turning a sour situation into a sweet solution for others going through chemotherapy.

In 2011, Kowalczyk, a wife and mother of three in Scotch Plains, lost her sister to cancer. That tragedy spurred her to go back to school for nutrition and learn more about what food does to the body.

She started cooking vegetarian but not too long after, she too was diagnosed with breast cancer. Going through chemotherapy in 2014, Kowalczyk experienced several side effects but her biggest complaint was how awful her mouth felt.

“I hated what happened to my mouth it was always dry, uncomfortable and I had mouth sores. Everything also tasted like aluminum,” Kowalczyk said.

Kowalczyk knew there had to be a better way to enjoy food again.

“This is ridiculous I need to do something!” Kowalczyk said of her situation.

She started messing around in her kitchen and found that certain organic ingredients would help ease the discomfort such as barley or honey.

Thus, Soothease was created.

“I started handing them out as samples to other chemo patients and found the flavor masks the metallic taste,” Kowalczyk said.

Soothease come in two forms, a heart-shaped lozenge or a heart-shaped lollipop. Children going through chemo seem to love the lollipop forms better.

And there are several flavors including chocolate flavored brown rice, orange flavored barley, honey lavender and peppermint.

“The heart shape represents my heart and my love,” Kowalczyk said.

Popularity grew for her product and she expanded her business to start selling online at soothease.com and Amazon.

She also started offering Soothease to hospitals including locally at St. Barnabas for their patients.

Now she is looking to open her first storefront in her hometown of Scotch Plains.

In January, Kowalczyk will be five years cancer free and she couldn’t be happier with her progress and business.

“It is always on my mind,” Kowalczyk said of her diagnosis. “But I live for each day and am excited for my new business. I was able to make lemonade out of lemons.”

For more information visit soothease.com or Facebook.

(Images via Soothease)

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