By Krystle J Bailey
After 37 radiation treatments, 18 chemotherapy treatments, a double mastectomy, a hysterectomy, countless surgeries, and dozens of medications, Krista Baum of Brigantine lives a thriving new life with no evidence of disease (NED).
When the young mother of two learned she had an aggressive form of breast cancer before the age of 40, with no family history or genetic indications, she knew that the journey she faced would be long and rigorous, but if it were up to her, it would not be in vain.
“I chose to use my diagnosis as a platform to help others,” shared the owner of Brigantine’s new business, Shore Space. “I was diagnosed to save someone else’s life; I didn’t know it would be my sister’s and three of my friends.”
Serving as her own medical advocate, Baum took her diagnosis by the proverbial horns on day one. She immediately replaced her original team of doctors with a group of medical professionals with whom she felt comfortable and connected. Within five weeks of diagnosis, Baum discovered that cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and that her decision to be proactive about treatment would ultimately save her life.
“I was still going through treatment when I asked someone their favorite beach in the world,” shared Baum about her move to the Jersey Shore. “The woman said, ‘Brigantine, New Jersey’.”
The now 41-year-old resident of Brigantine describes that when she came over the bridge and caught a glimpse of the ocean, she felt like she could breathe again. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to shut the world down, Baum was anticipating a planned vacation to Alaska to celebrate life two years after her diagnosis. With one deep breath of the sea air, she decided to cancel the Alaska trip and stay three days on Brigantine Island, where she never left.
Now the owner of Shore Space, a coworking and event space located on Brigantine Boulevard, Krista Baum and her husband, two children, and their family dog have begun their new lease on life. Finally living full-time on the island, Baum left the banking world and returned to her roots in interior design and hospitality with the launch of Shore Space and her private long-term rental consulting services.
Inside Shore Space, the walls are adorned with beautiful photographs and greenery, offering an inviting atmosphere for coworking, team gatherings, and private events. Complete with high-speed, secure Wi-Fi, high-end 55-inch-wide desks, private phone booths, a bike desk, games, coffee, tea, and snacks, Shore Space fills a long-awaited void for businessmen and women in the area. The venue has been used as a meeting place for board meetings, brunches, team meetings, intimate gatherings, and more. Drop-in rates and packages for coworking space are available.
Beyond a workspace, Baum shares that the busy corner of Brigantine has served as a community gathering place where individuals have come to find hope, community, and comradery since the doors opened in 2022.
When you have a life-altering diagnosis, it changes how you view everything,” shared Baum. “It readjusted how I wanted to live. I never felt angry or asked, “Why me?” I just felt like there was a reason I got cancer. It was awful, but it also got me to where I am now, and I’m able to live a life I didn’t even know I wanted.”
While Krista Baum lives with regular cancer checkup appointments and a 10-year prescription for chemo pills, she finds hope in how much she’s already overcome. She now uses her platform and experiences to advocate for others. In between managing Shore Space and raising her children, the Virginia Tech alumna works with other women facing a new cancer diagnosis, offering them the support, knowledge, and love she knows firsthand they will need for the journey.
Learn more about Shore Space and the inspiring story of the woman behind Brigantine’s new favorite event and coworking space at shorespace-brig.com.
