Kandice was born and raised in Houston, TX. By the time she attended college at Huston–Tillotson University in Austin, TX, she had already triumphed over cancer twice. Kandice's journey began with a diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, only eight months after her grandmother succumbed to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Subsequently, she faced another formidable challenge when she was diagnosed with leukemia, necessitating a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Fortuitously, her sister Kacee proved to be a perfect match, and Kandice received the transplant she urgently needed.
During her college years, Kandice earned several prestigious awards and honors. She was selected as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the American Cancer Society Walk, recognized by The Austin Statesman Newspaper as a "Mover and Shaker" for her impactful efforts in combatting HIV/AIDS within the African-American community. Additionally, Kandice became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Tragedy struck Kandice's life again as she lost her brother to sarcoma and her great grandmother to breast cancer, both within a year of each other. Undaunted, Kandice dedicated a decade to the cause of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Her desire to live overseas then led her to Shanghai, China, where she taught Psychology at an international school.
In 2010, Kandice confronted cancer for the third time, once again Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This time, she pursued treatment at the renowned M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. Amid her personal battles, Kandice and her friend Lindsey founded "Pretty Girls with Cancer™" shortly before Lindsey's unfortunate passing due to ovarian cancer.
Kandice's initiatives have been wide-ranging and impactful over the last ten years. Through "Pretty Girls with Cancer™," she collaborated with the "Be The Match™" program to locate donors for cancer patients. She also served as the Survivorship Chair for the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life™" and initiated the "Totes of Love" project to provide comfort to cancer patients undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson, Texas Children, and Methodist Hospitals. Additionally, she developed "Coinz 4 Kids With Cancer" currently in local school districts and the Mind, Body & Soul Therapeutic Retreat for cancer survivors and patients.
Presently, Kandice is a dedicated advocate for mental health, extending her support to all those impacted by cancer diagnoses. She holds a Masters in Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Bereaved by the loss of her mother to ovarian and colon cancer, Kandice is resolute in her mission to empower cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers in matters concerning their mental well-being. Her journey will culminate in becoming a psychotherapist in 2024, a testament to her unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
