Meet Shaleena Tareen | Founder & President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaleena Tareen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaleena, what are you inspired by?
Today we will be talking about a community initiative that our nonprofit is working on. Launching a coping toolbox for children, teens, and families who have been impacted by cancer.

This initiative was inspired by the resilience and compassion of Brooke Taylor, a cancer survivor and coach, whose personal journey of caregiving and surviving cancer sparked the creation of the Family Cancer Support Toolbox. This initiative shows the power of community and shared experiences in supporting families facing cancer. It’s about providing tools that help families communicate, cope, and find strength in challenging times, transforming adversity into an opportunity for healing and growth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are excited to share that we have applied for a grant to distribute our cancer family support toolboxes to 150 families at no cost! This initiative reflects over a year of dedicated effort and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on the mental health and overall well-being of those affected by cancer.

What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on creating comprehensive, empathetic support systems tailored to the unique needs of families navigating cancer. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and the progress we’ve made toward our goal. This grant application represents a significant step forward in our mission.

Our story is one of dedication to supporting families during their most difficult times. We want the world to know that behind every toolbox, there is a team committed to providing hope and practical assistance. Our brand represents a blend of compassion, innovation, and resilience, reflecting our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable time. We’d start with a leisurely brunch at Stonehaus in Westlake, enjoying the beautiful vineyard views. Afterward, we could relax by Malibu Beach, perhaps renting a paddleboard or simply soaking up the sun. For dinner, Nobu Malibu would be perfect.

The next day, we’d explore the scenic Zuma Canyon Trailhead, Afterward, we’d head to Palisades Village for some boutique shopping and a coffee at Café Vida. We’d end the visit with a sunset walk at Malibu Beach and some seafood from Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe before heading home.

On a more relaxing day, a spa experience at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village would be perfect. We’d enjoy a light lunch there and then visit to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, where we could catch a live performance or explore an art exhibit.

We’d dedicate another day to relaxing over coffee at Longevity Coffee, where we could enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and some fantastic brews. A wine-tasting adventure would take us to The Barn in Malibu, where we’d enjoy a delightful selection of local wines in a charming setting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to everyone who made the Cancer Family Support Toolbox possible! Brooke Taylor, Bette Alkazarian, and Kaleigh our volunteer—your dedication and expertise brought this resource to life. Big thanks to Kim for your beautiful design work, and to our incredible partners: Bumblebee Foundation, Ventura County Ronald McDonald Family Room, Cancer Fit, Cancer Support Community, and Bright Spot Network. Your support helps us uplift families facing cancer, providing hope and practical tools. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childhood.matters

Image Credits
Alyson Berg Photography
Images of Life by Ashli Meredith