At just 16 years old, Owen Chester Singer is taking on breast cancer not with a medical degree, but with a powerful idea born from his own family’s battle. Inspired by his mother’s fight with multiple rounds of breast cancer, Owen has launched Cancer Kicks, a non-profit that sells custom-designed shoes, sandals, blankets, and apparel to provide comfort and hope to patients and their loved ones. All profits are donated directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

His inspiration came from watching his mom “gear up” for her chemotherapy sessions, a ritual that included a pair of well-worn pink tennis shoes and a cozy blanket. Seeing the emotional comfort these simple items provided, he realized there was a need for products that could be a physical symbol of hope and strength, as well as provide money for an important cause.

“I wanted to do more than just stand by,” says Singer. “I created Cancer Kicks to give those battling cancer something that lets them know that they’re not alone. Friends and family can also wear them in support. Even better, all the profits fund research that will ultimately kick this disease.”