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