How Cancer Inspired a Game-Changing Medical Device with Kate Dilligan

When Kate Dilligan found a lump in her breast in a friend’s shower, she had no idea it would lead to a life-altering diagnosis—and a career-defining mission. 

As a breast cancer patient, she realized how critical it was to keep her identity, her privacy, and her dignity throughout treatment. 

That experience led her to launch Cooler Heads, the company behind Amma™—an innovative FDA-cleared scalp cooling device that helps chemotherapy patients reduce hair loss. Kate shares how vulnerability, loss, and leadership all shaped her mission. 

Now among the 2% of solo female founders to raise over $10M, Kate’s story is equal parts grit and grace. Tune in as we explore her boldest moves and how she continues to challenge the status quo in healthcare innovation. 

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Kate’s career leap from political fundraising to MedTech entrepreneurship
• Her personal battle with aggressive breast cancer and how it sparked a business
• The emotional and physical toll of chemotherapy—and how she fought for control
• The birth of Cooler Heads and why privacy during treatment matters
• Raising $20M+ in venture capital as a solo female founder
• The mission behind Amma™ and its role in patient dignity
• Why mentorship shaped every key decision in Kate’s journey
• The power of showing up even when you don’t have all the answers

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “People were telling me I was crazy, and I did it anyway.” - Kate Dilligan
• “I was not going to let cancer define me—I was going to define what came next.” - Kate Dilligan
• “You don’t have to know everything to begin, you just have to start.” - Courtney Turich
• “Even in our darkest chapters, we can choose how the next page is written.” - Courtney Turich
• “It takes incredible strength to ask for help, and even more to rebuild.” - Kate Dilligan

About Kate

Kate Dilligan is the Founder & CEO of Cooler Heads Care, a company dedicated to providing innovative scalp cooling solutions for chemotherapy patients. As a cancer survivor, she advocates for patient privacy and identity preservation during treatment. Her posts highlight significant milestones in her company, including partnerships with health systems and recognition in the healthcare community. Dilligan emphasizes the importance of patient support and the transformative impact of her products on the lives of those undergoing cancer treatment.

Follow Kate Dilligan

• LinkedIn
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• Website

Stay Connected with Courtney Turich:

• Website
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Facebook

A Team Dklutr Production