In today's episode, "Navigating Treatment Options," host Tesha dives deep into the importance of selecting the right support community and treatment plan. Joined by guest Raenel, a survivor of triple negative stage 2B breast cancer, the conversation explores coping mechanisms such as faith, music, and exercise, and the critical role of finding a compatible healthcare team. We'll discuss holistic approaches, the necessity of thorough consultations, and the emotional aspects of treatment, including the challenges of hair loss and maintaining mental health. With personal anecdotes, practical advice, and encouragement to advocate for oneself, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance and support in their cancer journey. Tune in for an insightful discussion, and remember—you don't have to go through this alone.

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guests:

Raenel is a Stage IIB Triple Negative Breast cancer survivor hailing from the suburban town of Frederick, Maryland but has resided in Houston, TX since 2015. Little did she know, shortly after receiving a job offer in the healthcare field, she would be diagnosed with “the bug in her boob.” Raenel’s natural curiosity, “why”mentality or as her dad likes to call her “Nancy Drew” personality would soon prove to be invaluable in her cancer journey. As an analyst by trade, the drive to explore and thoroughly research options served her well. Whether it was the fertility preservation process or choosing to successfully endure scalp cooling, she made sure she was an active participant in her treatment decisions.

You are your biggest advocate! If something doesn’t make sense or you feel right, there might be a better option. Feel empowered to speak up. You are a partner in your treatment journey and your voice deserves to be heard! Fun fact: If you give Raenel “good” ranch, a Stevie Wonder or Bruno Mars playlist, you will be her best friend. Find Rae on Instagram at @Raeelisse and @Raenandraenbows and on Facebook as Raenel Smedley

About For the Breast of Us

For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.

• IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
• Twitter: @thebreastofus
• Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
• Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
• On the Web: www.breastofus.com

In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode of "Baddie 2 Baddie," Marissa and Veronica come together to celebrate and highlight the powerful voices within the Hispanic breast cancer community. Marissa, the co-founder and CEO of For The Breast of Us, interviews Veronica, an OG Baddie ambassador and breast cancer survivor, to share her inspirational journey and advocacy work.

Veronica recounts her personal battle with invasive ductal carcinoma, diagnosed in early 2020 during the peak of the pandemic. She delves into her decision-making process regarding treatment options, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in breast reconstruction.

They discuss cultural taboos and barriers within the Hispanic community, especially related to discussing medical history and diagnoses. Veronica offers heartfelt advice for Latinas who face the daunting task of sharing their breast cancer journey with family members.

With a delightful blend of humor and wisdom, Veronica also shares her "Shake Your Booty Friday" tradition, a joyful practice originated with her son that embodies her vibrant spirit and zest for life.

Closing on a high note, Marissa and Veronica touch upon the broader spectrum of advocacy, advice for aspiring advocates, dealing with advocacy burnout, and strategies for organizations to better engage Hispanic and Latina communities.

Join us for an engaging and eye-opening conversation celebrating resilience, choice, culture, and community.

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guests:

Marissa, a dynamic Woman of Color and a visionary leader, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 35. This life-altering moment led her to co-found “For the Breast of Us” in May 2019, alongside Jasmine Souers, another resilient breast cancer survivor. Their mission was clear: to craft a sanctuary where women of color battling breast cancer could find resources that speak directly to them, shared by voices they could relate to. Marissa is the co-founder and CEO at For the Breast of Us.

Veronica, a resilient woman from San Antonio, Texas, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (stage 2b) in January 2020. Being ERPR positive and HER2 negative, she opted for a single mastectomy and underwent active treatment amidst the challenging peak of the pandemic. Battling through a year marked by isolation, she sought reconstruction options and chose an aesthetic flat closure. Her decision was notably influenced by support from the community of For the Breast of Us and the empowering connections made with other flatty baddies. Veronica is a Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us.

About For the Breast of Us

For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.

• IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
• Twitter: @thebreastofus
• Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
• Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
• On the Web: www.breastofus.com

In today’s episode, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a very special guest, Deb, a Hispanic Latina ambassador and an unstoppable baddie from our community. Join Marissa as she dives deep into Deb’s inspiring journey dealing with metastatic breast cancer since 2018. Despite living in an area with a small Hispanic population and facing numerous health challenges, Deb has built strong connections through online communities and advocacy work.

Deb opens up about the cultural challenges Latinas face in seeking support, the importance of inclusivity within organizations, and navigating the highs and lows of living with cancer. She also shares her experience with advocacy burnout and the crucial need for self-care. Plus, learn about the heartwarming children’s book collaboration, "The Adventure Jar," that Deb contributed to, designed to bring joy to families dealing with cancer.

Tune in for an empowering discussion on resilience, community, and the delicate balance between advocacy and personal well-being. Don’t miss this candid conversation that highlights the strength and spirit of the Hispanic community!

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guests:

Marissa, a dynamic Woman of Color and a visionary leader, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 35. This life-altering moment led her to co-found “For the Breast of Us” in May 2019, alongside Jasmine Souers, another resilient breast cancer survivor. Their mission was clear: to craft a sanctuary where women of color battling breast cancer could find resources that speak directly to them, shared by voices they could relate to. Marissa is the co-founder and CEO at For the Breast of Us.

Deb Ontiveros is originally from Los Angeles but resides in Southern Utah. She is a Spanish/English Interpreter & Translator. Deb was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in April 2018. She spends her extra time advocating for breast cancer and mental health issues.

Deb's journey with cancer began with a decision to delay conventional treatment to explore natural remedies. When those alternatives didn't yield results, she turned to scientific medical treatment and experienced five years of good health. However, a year ago, Deb sensed something was wrong and subsequent scans revealed two new tumors. Initially suspecting cancer progression, a biopsy revealed it was actually a new diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Despite these challenges, Deb continues to navigate her health journey with resilience and determination.

You can find Deb online at: IG & Twitter/X @deb4peace247 and Facebook @deb4peace

About For the Breast of Us

For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.

• IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
• Twitter: @thebreastofus
• Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
• Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
• On the Web: www.breastofus.com

In this heartfelt episode of Baddie 2 Baddie, hosts Marissa sits down with Carlo Alvear to share his deeply moving journey as a caregiver to his late wife, Frida. Frida was a passionate breast cancer advocate who touched many lives. Frida's story is not just one of battling cancer but also of fostering community and leaving an enduring legacy through her advocacy and support for others facing similar battles. The episode highlights Carlo's perspective as a caregiver, the impact on their family, and the various ways they cope and continue to honor Frida's memory, particularly through the establishment of scholarships and continued community involvement.

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guests:

Marissa, a dynamic Woman of Color and a visionary leader, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 35. This life-altering moment led her to co-found “For the Breast of Us” in May 2019, alongside Jasmine Souers, another resilient breast cancer survivor. Their mission was clear: to craft a sanctuary where women of color battling breast cancer could find resources that speak directly to them, shared by voices they could relate to. Marissa is the co-founder and CEO at For the Breast of Us.

Carlos Alvear carries on the legacy of his late wife, Frida, a passionate breast cancer advocate and cherished community member. Their story began at UC San Diego, blossoming into a life defined by love, resilience, and deep community involvement. When Frida was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 at just 36 years old, her strength and advocacy touched countless lives. Now, Carlos offers a unique perspective as a caregiver, sharing the highs and lows of their journey, from their family's unwavering unity to the challenges of navigating breast cancer.

About For the Breast of Us

For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.

• IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
• Twitter: @thebreastofus
• Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
• Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
• On the Web: www.breastofus.com

Welcome to Baddie 2 Baddie, where we are diving deep into the powerful world of women of color impacted by breast cancer. In this episode, co-founder and CEO Marissa, along with Baddie Ambassadors Cynthia, and April share their personal experiences and insights on the importance of advocating for oneself within the healthcare system. From discussing the For the Breast of Us pillars of advocacy, community, and education (ACE) to planning a groundbreaking conference, Breast Cancer BaddieCon, specifically tailored for women of color impacted by breast cancer, this episode is packed with empowering conversations and the need for greater representation and support within the breast cancer community.

Join us as we explore the impact of advocating for proper care and the essential role of building a supportive community for women of color facing breast cancer.

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guests:

Marissa, a dynamic Woman of Color and a visionary leader, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 35. This life-altering moment led her to co-found “For the Breast of Us” in May 2019, alongside Jasmine Souers, another resilient breast cancer survivor. Their mission was clear: to craft a sanctuary where women of color battling breast cancer could find resources that speak directly to them, shared by voices they could relate to. Marissa is the co-founder and CEO at For the Breast of Us.

April is a cool high school counselor in South Carolina. She was diagnosed at 35 with Stage II, Triple Negative Breast Cancer and BRAC1+. April is a single southern belle looking to share her testimony and advocate for women of color who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is the proud mother of a miniature pincher named Gigi.

Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018 one year before she was old enough to begin regular mammograms. After a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation, Cynthia had no idea she would become the 1st of 3 sisters to be diagnosed. Cynthia shared her journey candidly on social media. This led her to educate and advocate about breast cancer and health disparities. Cynthia lives by the mantra, "If you've got to go through it, GLOW through it." An educator by day, at night Cynthia glows by volunteering her time as a Baddie Ambassador with For The Breast of Us, an Advocacy Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy, a certified global educator with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, a Project LEAD graduate, a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie! Cynthia can be found online @cynserity @ourlikevibes

About For the Breast of Us

For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.

• IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
• Twitter: @thebreastofus
• Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
• Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
• On the Web: www.breastofus.com

Tesha is joined by special guests Vina and Raquel to dive deep into the importance of being a voice for those who can't advocate for themselves and the need to bridge the gap in education and awareness about health issues. The discussion focuses on self-care, body awareness, and the significance of early screenings, particularly in the context of breast cancer.

The conversation also emphasizes the need for community support and celebrates the resilience and determination of cancer survivors. Throughout the discussion, Vina and Raquel share their personal coping mechanisms during cancer treatments and the impact of their experiences on uplifting and supporting others.

This is an episode filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the reminder that no one should have to go through difficult experiences alone. So, tune in and join the conversation!

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guests:

Raquel "Glammy" Fountain, a Philadelphia native and successful Makeup Artist, faced a pivotal moment in her life at the age of 34 when she bravely battled and conquered Stage 2 Breast Cancer. This transformative experience became the catalyst for her journey as a dedicated advocate for women's health, championing the importance of self-care and early detection. Through her inspiring story of resilience and triumph, Raquel empowers others to prioritize their well-being and listen to their bodies.

Driven by her unwavering faith and the support of her loved ones, Raquel has emerged as a beacon of hope and positivity in the face of adversity. Her advocacy work extends beyond raising awareness about breast cancer to encompass a broader message of self-empowerment and personal growth. With her infectious optimism and determination, Raquel continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving a profound impact on the lives she touches.

As a devoted mother to her 15-year-old daughter Nydia, Raquel finds strength and motivation in her family, further fueling her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Through her journey of resilience, faith, and advocacy, Raquel "Glammy" Fountain embodies the essence of courage and compassion, reminding us all of the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of supporting one another through life's challenges.

_____

Vina Orden is a 1.5-generation immigrant on Lenape land (New York City). She is a human rights advocate, freelance community journalist, and supports other emerging Asian American writers as senior editor of poetry at SLANT’D magazine. Vina currently is working on her first novel dedicated to young Filipinxs who still don’t see themselves in books and has received fellowships and mentorships from Roots. Wounds. Words., Kweli, Tin House, and the Asian American Writers' Workshop.

She is a survivor, having been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer and a BRCA-1 mutation in 2022 and HER2-positive brain metastases in 2024.

About For the Breast of Us

For the Breast of Us is the first inclusive community dedicated to supporting women of color affected by breast cancer. Our mission is to amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of this diverse community by providing resources, support, and education tailored to their unique challenges. Each episode of our podcast delves into topics that range from personal survivor stories and expert health insights to advocacy efforts and wellness strategies, all designed to empower and uplift. Join us as we build a vibrant network of support and transform the narrative of breast cancer survivorship for women of color.

• IG & Threads: @forthebreastofus
• Twitter: @thebreastofus
• Facebook: For the Breast of Us @forthebreastofus
• Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
• On the Web: www.breastofus.com