Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Thomas. Them and their team share their story with us below:
For the Breast of Us is an inclusive online community for all Women of Color affected by breast cancer. It was started by two survivors, Marissa Thomas and Jasmine Souers after they noticed there was not a community for Black and Brown women diagnosed with breast cancer. A safe place where survivors can share their experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer, share resources, connect with other survivors, participate in clinical research opportunities and find medical providers. FTBOU is now run solo by Marissa who along with the Baddie Ambassadors, leads efforts to educate and help women navigate advocating for themselves. They do this by social media advocacy, retreats, the podcast Baddie 2 Baddie and holding local meetups like the Breast Cancer Awareness Month gala they are holding this year called “We Run This” gala.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Navigating health disparities and teaching women to advocate for themselves is never an easy road. Of course, people have asked why have only a group for Women of Color and shouldn’t we be encouraging everyone to be allowed within our space. But being a survivor myself, I know how important it is to connect with others who can identify to some of the challenges you face. Like, when my hair grows back what texture will it be? What will my skin look like during and after radiation? Will I develop keloids after surgery? And do you know of a Black or Brown medical provider? These are things women in our community think about that others may not or do not have to do so. So while this can be a challenge to answer these questions of why, we know it must be done so that way our sisters diagnosed after us have a much easier road.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After working in the healthcare field for 20 years, I recently switched careers and now I work in the Tech Industry as a Project Coordinator for Extrahop. I am also the CEO and CoFounder of For the Breast of Us. An online community for Women of Color affected by breast cancer.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find someone in the field you are in and have a coffee chat with them. Ask how they got started and to give you advice on the steps you should take to move forward. Also, maybe, ask to sit in during one of their meetings so you can listen and learn. And attend as many networking events you can. It’s important to get in front of the people in your community to make connections that may last a lifetime.
Pricing:
- $55 – Survivor priced ticket for the gala
- $75 – General Admission
- $100 – VIP
- $250 – fundraiser for scholarships for survivors
- $300 – help a survivor with travel to the gala
Contact Info:
- Website: breastofus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthebreastofus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forthebreastofus
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebreastofus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxIonyfojEBjFDslBhRaR-Q
- Other: https://baddie2baddie.podbean.com/
Image Credits
Gerome Ogeris Photography Ride The Wave Photography
