Rustic Route Coffee Co. Joins the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

When Robin Snider’s beloved aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, what began as a frightening chapter for her family grew into the mission behind Rustic Route Coffee: spreading awareness, comfort, and connection, one cup at a time.

Tina’s diagnosis: A family’s wake-up call

When Tina first experienced stomach pains in late 2024, no one imagined how quickly life would change. By January 2025, she was diagnosed with both peritoneal cancer and ovarian cancer.

She was experiencing stomach pains at the end of December, went to the doctor, and was diagnosed with cancer in her stomach lining, the peritoneum. She was later told she had ovarian cancer as well. — Robin Snider

Tina’s journey unfolded rapidly: chemo, surgery, more chemo, and more surgery. The family learned that if Tina had not been diagnosed with both forms of cancer, her ovarian cancer may have gone unnoticed. Robin recalled, “In the second surgery they were able to remove all the tumors, the lining that was affected, and a few lymph nodes. In the end, she was told they ‘got it all.’”

As much as that news brought gratitude and relief, the family knows the road ahead remains uncertain. Looking back, they realized Tina was “lucky” to have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer first. Otherwise, her ovarian cancer might have gone unnoticed. Their experience is a reminder to listen closely to your body, to recognize when something feels off, and to trust yourself in seeking answers.

Finding strength through family and community

The distance between Maryland and Alabama made it hard for Robin to be with her aunt during treatment.

It’s moments like these that you wish you could drop everything and run to the person in pain.

Visiting during chemotherapy gave her a deeper understanding of Tina’s experience. The emotional weight was heavy, especially since Robin’s mother had already lost one sister to a brain tumor years earlier.

During this time, a customer named Carol reached out via email to introduce Robin to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). “The timing of her email felt kismet, the perfect way to support Tina and other ovarian cancer survivors,” Robin shared. That moment led Rustic Route Coffee Co. to partner with NOCC and join the mission of raising awareness and supporting those impacted by ovarian cancer.

Brewing hope: Coffee that connects

Robin and her partner, who run Rustic Route Coffee together, share a love for high-quality coffee and a commitment to using their business as a platform for good. “Our slogan is ‘Simple. Natural. Routine.’ We created coffee you can count on and strive to consistently provide a high-quality product,” Robin said.

Their coffee is organic, chemical-free, and many blends are low-acid, making it approachable for anyone dealing with medical issues. But for Robin and her partner, coffee is more than a product.

Coffee is a universal way of connecting anyone in the same space. Holding a cup of coffee provides comfort and routine. Medicine helps to cure the disease, comfort and commonality help to cure the soul.

In honor of September’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Rustic Route Coffee created a special, limited-time blend called Forged from Hope. Fifty percent of the net proceeds from each bag sold during the campaign were donated to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, providing awareness, resources, and comfort to those impacted by ovarian cancer.

Through this campaign and their ongoing work, Robin and her partner show that even small businesses can make a meaningful impact in their community.

Don’t be afraid to tell your story. Customers connect with being real and vulnerable. Even the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

Robin’s story reminds us that healing goes beyond medicine. Connection, compassion, and community are vital parts of the journey. By turning personal hardship into purpose, Robin and her partner show how each of us can make a difference.