Kid to Kid Owner Beats Breast Cancer While Pregnant

She might not acknowledge it, but  Molly Newland, owner of Kid to Kid, an upscale children’s and maternity resale store in Lexington, is a hero.

In the span of little more than one year from 2009-2010, the 35-year-old mother of three became pregnant with her third daughter, was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent surgery and chemotherapy, delivered Lucia (a beautiful healthy baby girl) and then purchased Kid to Kid, her debut as a business owner.

How’s that for courage and fortitude?

Quick to praise others, Newland attributes her strength to the support provided by family, friends and her church.

“This is just what God put on my plate at the time,” she said. “And the support I received was amazing. For the Race for the Cure, we had about 300 people sign up for our team. That was the biggest team at the Race.”

In 2009, eight weeks into her pregnancy with Lucia (her other daughters are Andrea, 6, and Bella, 4), Newland received the chilling diagnosis. Approximately one in 1,000 women in the

U.S. have breast cancer while pregnant.

Ten weeks into her pregnancy, Newland underwent surgery.

Two weeks after surgery, chemotherapy began. She continued with the treatments until Lucia was born three weeks early (a routine, normal birth), so Newland could start a round of more powerful chemo that left her cancer-free.

“I’m just thankful that the cancer is gone and pray it doesn’t come back,” she said. “I live every day like I don’t have cancer.”

Everyday life entails raising her daughters and operating Kid to Kid with her husband Jason, who works full time with a lighting design company in Lexington.

Molly runs the business day to day, overseeing 10 employees in the 3200-square foot store, which is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Kid to Kid offers up to 70% off on gently used brand name children’s clothes and up to 50% off on children’s equipment such as strollers and bigger baby toys.

Kid to Kid buys gently used clothing from patrons, offering cash or 20% more in store credit. Also for sale are Melissa & Doug toys and art supplies, bumGenius cloth diapers and much more.

The store also boasts brisk sales of children’s hair bows in all colors and styles.

Juggling a business, motherhood and marriage is a challenge, Newland said, but for her no day is complete without mommy time.

“Weekends are dedicated family time and we always have dinner together,” she said.

“After I pick up my daughters from school and preschool, I try to make the most of our time together.”