About Back to Life, Back to Work Navigator
A compassionate, comprehensive toolkit built for cancer survivors navigating the journey back to the workplace.
Meet the Founder
Jess Whorton
Founder & Creator — Back to Life, Back to Work Navigator
As a cancer survivor herself, our founder knows firsthand how isolating and overwhelming the return-to-work journey can feel. After navigating her own diagnosis, treatment, and the difficult conversations that followed with employers, HR, and coworkers, she realized how little practical support existed for people trying to rebuild their careers while healing.
She founded the Navigator to be the resource she wished she'd had — a warm, judgment-free companion that combines legal guidance, communication tools, emotional support, and community into one accessible place. Her mission is to make sure no survivor ever has to figure this out alone.
"You are not going back to who you were. You are going forward as someone stronger — and you deserve support every step of the way."
What We Do
The Back to Life, Back to Work Navigator is a free, all-in-one digital companion designed to guide cancer survivors through every phase of returning to employment after treatment. Returning to work after a cancer diagnosis is rarely straightforward — physical fatigue, cognitive changes, emotional anxiety, legal questions, and workplace communication challenges can all feel overwhelming at once.
Our platform brings together evidence-based tools, curated resource libraries, AI-powered coaching, and community support in one accessible place. Users can track their daily energy and mood, generate accommodation request letters, prepare for difficult workplace conversations, understand their rights under the ADA and FMLA, and connect with peers who truly understand their experience.
Whether you are in the early planning stages before returning, navigating your first week back, or managing ongoing challenges months into your return, the Navigator meets you where you are and adapts to your needs.
Who It's For
This platform is built for cancer survivors and patients at any stage of treatment or recovery who are thinking about, preparing for, or actively navigating a return to work. It is also a valuable resource for caregivers supporting a loved one through workplace reintegration, as well as HR professionals and occupational health practitioners seeking to better understand the needs of employees returning after serious illness.
The Navigator is designed to be accessible, supportive, and non-judgmental — recognizing that every survivor's journey is unique and that there is no single "right" timeline or approach.
Key Features
Energy & Mood Tracking
Daily check-ins with AI-matched resource recommendations.
Legal Rights Guidance
Plain-language summaries of ADA, FMLA, and state laws.
90+ Curated Resources
Vetted guides, videos, support groups, and tools.
Community Forum
Anonymous forums to share experiences and support.
AI Return-to-Work Coach
Personalized guidance available 24/7 via conversational AI.
Communication Toolkit
Templates and scripts for employer conversations and emails.