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Fought Cancer and Founded a Company
Lee Rhodes shared her battle with advanced stage lung cancer and how the Glassybaby initiative born during this process turned into a multi-million dollar brand over the years...
Lee Rhodes recounted feeling a strange tightness in her chest after giving birth to her third child and how the tests changed her life. A large tumor was detected in the right lung of 32-year-old Rhodes; her first surgery was performed just a few days after the diagnosis.
For Rhodes, who had three small children, this period turned into a challenging six-year battle with advanced stage lung cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and experimental treatments. Rhodes said she has been cancer-free since 2001.
Highlights
- Rhodes said the first symptoms appeared while she was breastfeeding her youngest child.
- Imaging directed by her doctor revealed a large tumor in the right lung.
- The day after the diagnosis, part of her lung was surgically removed.
- While undergoing cancer treatment, she raised her three children and closely witnessed the financial difficulties experienced by other patients in the hospital.
- Glassybaby started as a small initiative aimed at helping others and evolved into a large business model over the years.
The Idea That Started in the Hospital Park
Rhodes said the thing that helped her the most during treatment days was a glass candle holder made by her husband. She explained that the light and flame created when a candle was placed inside gave her a brief sense of peace.
She also shared that during chemotherapy days, she was next to other patients going through the same process but realized not everyone had the same opportunities. While she could afford quality food, some patients could not even cover their transportation costs to the hospital.
Rhodes noted that daily expenses like parking fees were manageable for her but not for many patients, and this injustice deeply affected her.
The First Sale of Glassybaby
Rhodes said she sold the first Glassybaby candle holders in the hospital parking lot on Breast Cancer Awareness Day in 1996. At that time, it was more of a fundraising effort than a business plan; she worked with local glass artisans and donated the proceeds to cover unmet care costs at the hospital.
Interest in the products grew over time. Relatives of patients who bought candle holders wanted to support their loved ones by lighting multiple Glassybabies simultaneously, and the color and flame effect held strong meaning for people.
About three years later, Rhodes realized the initiative had real business potential and opened her own store near Washington in 2003. Then the products reached a wider audience through a chain that included Martha Stewart's show, and orders increased rapidly.
Growing Company, Growing Donations
Rhodes said Glassybaby made over 27 million dollars in sales last year. While the company grew, the charitable approach continued; at one point, a certain percentage of profits was donated, and today, 3 dollars from every Glassybaby sold is contributed.
She also stated that more than 16 million dollars have been donated so far through the foundation established in 2015. Rhodes expressed that a small candle holder gradually turned into a significant social benefit.
Business Growing with the Family
Rhodes' children are now in their 30s and work in different areas of the company. She said her ex-husband occasionally contributes to the design process, and although they separated years ago and remarried, family ties continue.
Rhodes described how her children grew up with the company and that Glassybaby is like a sibling to them in a way. She said both the company and the donations have added meaning to family life. According to her, this initiative became part of a shared story built by the whole family, not just one person.
Context: The story told by Rhodes shows how an idea born after a severe health crisis turned into commercial success and a donation model over the years. The sales that started in the hospital parking lot have now become a lasting brand involving family members.
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