Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer Podcast

Impacts of Advocacy: Empowering Stories of Women of Color in the Breast Cancer Community

Welcome to the Baddie 2 Baddie podcast, where we dive into candid conversations about the experiences and challenges faced by women of color dealing with breast cancer. In this episode, host Tesha along with the remarkable Dr. Morgan Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, delve into the importance of support groups and the power of shared experiences.
We explore the therapeutic value of connecting with individuals who understand the unique journey of battling breast cancer as a woman of color, and the need for tailored support groups in this community. Join us as we navigate the complexities of health care advocacy, cultural barriers, and the impact of practical support in facing a cancer diagnosis. Listen in as we unpack the resilience and magic of black people and the significance of advocacy in making a difference in breast cancer outcomes for women of color. Get ready for an insightful and empowering conversation that addresses the importance of self-advocacy, early detection, and the strength found in shared experiences.
 
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. As a woman of color, where do you go or who do you turn to when you’re in the midst of the fight of your life? You search online for stories and images of women who’ve gone through treatment and look like you, but you find little to nothing. That’s where For the Breast of Us comes in. Baddie 2 Baddie is the podcast by For the Breast of Us hosted by the FTBOU Team where we share real life experiences, education and information to help you live you best life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Baddie Behavior is the safe space for survivors and thrivers to get all the way raw about how breast cancer changes our bodies, sex lives and relationships.
Learn more by visiting www.breastofus.com and follow us on social media @forthebreastofus.

Badie Behavior: Sexual Healing- Embracing Pleasure and Body Confidence

Baddie 2 Baddie is catching up on all things baddie behavior! From body positivity to sexual empowerment, Cynthia and April dive deep into the topics that matter. 
Tune in to their latest episode for a refreshing perspective on self-love and sensuality. 💖✨ #Baddie2Baddie
About our Hosts
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 is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, 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 member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie!
 
Things we mentioned in this episode:
Perifit (https://perifit.co/): Strengthen your pelvic floor with games.
Ask Goody (https://www.askgoody.com/):  Goody Howard is a world-renown sexologist, educator, and consultant. 
Sensual Sweet Coaching (https://www.instagram.com/sensualsweetcoaching/) Pleasure Doula and host of the Solo Pleasure Challenge

Baddie 2 Baddie: Beauty & the Baddie: Permanent Makeup

On this episode of Baddie 2 Baddie, April and Cynthia dive into the world of paramedical tattooing and its importance for women of color, particularly survivors of cancer.  Joined by Nina Austin, a three-time cancer survivor and speech pathologist, and Zuri, a permanent makeup artist, and epidemiologist based in Houston, the baddies learn about Nina's 3D areola tattoo and how permanent makeup such as scar reduction, eyebrows and more can restore self-confidence and a sense of normalcy in survivorship.  
This episode highlights the need for representation and skill as it relates to women of color, self-care and insurance coverage for nipple mound and areola restoration. Zuri also offers advice on how to safely get permanent makeup services and who to trust for the best results.  
About our guests:
Nina is a three-time cancer survivor.  Nina is a third-generation breast cancer survivor who is BRCA+ and has battled breast cancer twice.  Most recently, she battled uterine cancer.  By day, Nina is a speech pathologist in Houston.  Nina bravely volunteered to be a live model, and received her 3D areola tattoo on stage to ensure that women of color were appropriately trained to provide paramedical tattooing on women of color.  
 Zuri has been a lifelong lover of makeup. In 2018, she expanded her services to semi-permanent makeup and has since gained 10 certifications in the field. Zuri’s artistic eye coupled with attention to detail has allowed her to progress in the world of both makeup both traditional and semi-permanent. Zuri is an avid learner and holds a Bachelors degree in Biology from Texas Southern University and two Masters's degrees from Texas A&M University. As a perfectionist , she aims to make each client look their best with an emphasis on the integrity of the skin and stable healed work. Zuri is continually upgrading, learning, and developing new techniques, and her understanding of art and skin science transfers wonderfully into the art of micropigmentation. Zuri is a licensed tattoo artist in the state of Texas and was awarded the PMU Women of Color Award for Best New Artist in 2019, SHEEO of the Year in 2022, and the Best Speaker in Science of Permanent Makeup Award in 2022.
Outside of PMU, Zuri is a trained scientist. With a background in the sciences, Zuri developed a training program that hyperfocuses on bridging the gap between the art and science of PMU. Zuri avidly believes that is the science of PMU that yields stellar results and this is what sets us apart in service and training. We focus on the scientific principles of skin physiology, pigment chemistry, the science of skin, and infectious diseases to perform safe services with lasting stable results.
Outside of Artistry By Zuri, Zuri is employed as an Epidemiologist.  You can find Zuri on the web and Instagram by visiting @artistrybyzuri
About our Hosts
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 is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, 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 member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie!

Baddie 2 Baddie: Love & Cancer Special Episode- Ray & Ros

The For the Breast of Us Baddies are back with Season 2 of Baddie 2 Baddie. 
Love & Cancer Special Episode: Ray & Ros
Millions of people across the world fell in love with Ray & Ros after they candidly shared their journey through brain cancer.  Collectively, we mourned as news of Ros' passing went viral. On this episode of Baddie 2 Baddie, we join Ray as he shares his journey with his wife through her battle with brain cancer. Ray talks about loving Ros, how he deals with his grief, and how he's helped build a community of support.  Ray's mission now is to carry on her legacy and inspire others to fight their battles with the same strength and determination that defined Roslyn's journey.
Ray Singleton (@willie_qool, www.theraysingleton.com) is a serial entrepreneur, singer, songwriter, musician, and public speaker from Charleston, SC. In early 2020, a video of him serenading his beautiful wife, Roslyn Singleton, before her 2nd surgery to remove a brain tumor went viral and stole the hearts of millions, including Ellen DeGeneres!! Ray has been singing and performing all of his life with one of his biggest performances being on Season 16 of America's Got Talent where he received YES's from ALL FOUR JUDGES. On November 15, 2022, Ray's beautiful wife Roslyn passed away after a 12-year battle with brain cancer. Ray has devoted his life to continuing the memory and legacy of his wife and spreading her message of positivity around the world. Through his music and speaking engagements, he continues to promote positivity, fun, and love! After seeing Ray Singleton live in person, I promise you won’t forget the experience!! 
Hosted by Marissa and Cynthia.
 

Baddie 2 Baddie: Love & Cancer | Deb and Joel

Love is a beautiful thing. Whether romantic or platonic, we as humans crave love in all forms.
So we asked ourselves, how are thrivers and survivors navigating their relationships?
FTBOU CoFounder and CEO Marissa sat down with Breast Cancer Baddie Deb and her partner Joel for a candid conversation to discuss their relationship and how Deb's diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer has impacted it.
 
Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com
 
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Love & Cancer | Aisha and Jamille

Love is a beautiful thing.
Whether romantic or platonic, we as humans crave love in all forms.
So we asked ourselves, how are thrivers and survivors navigating their relationships? FTBOU CoFounder and CEO Marissa sat down with Breast Cancer Baddie Aisha and her partner Jamille for a candid conversation to discuss their relationship and how cancer has impacted it.
 
Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com
 
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Bonus Episode- Thriving AF with MBC

Baddie 2 Baddie: Thriving AF with MBC
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, most of the focus is on early-stagers or those diagnosed with breast cancer in the stages of I, II and III. But what about our sisters living and thriving with Metastatic Breast Cancer? Here at FTBOU we’re all about taking some action boss so for this Breast Cancer ACTION Month, we talked to a few Baddies thriving with MBC. We wanted to know what it’s like living with MBC, how they navigate it as mothers, sisters and partners and what they would want the world to know about women of color and MBC. 
 
You don’t want to miss it! Tap in to listen and learn more!
With our MBC Baddies:
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.  You can find her on IG  @deb4peace247  https://www.facebook.com/DEB4PEACE  Twitter: @deb4peace247
Deltra James is a Connecticut-based mama of five amazing girls who she strives to raise with cultural and health awareness. She's a chain tea drinker, wig hoarder, and lover of singing loudly and dancing unabashedly. Since being diagnosed with Triple Negative MBC de novo in 2019 she has focused on thriving through education, advocacy, connecting, and radical self-care. She is passionate about mental and emotional wellness, creative expression as a means of coping, community building, and connecting BIPOC women with people and spaces that can care for their whole selves. She is a member of Cactus Cancer Society's YAC advisory board, the inaugural class of For the Breast of Us Baddie Ambassador, the Our MBC Life podcast staff and serves as Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Project Life MBC. You can follow her at:  Deltra Tatiana (@deltra_does_it) • Instagram photos and videos
 
Eboney Thompson is a passionate author, speaker, and Transformation Mindset and Business Consultant/ Coach. She has self-published 11 of her own books which have been sold across the country. Her most recent being her tell all testimonial of the beginning stages of her battling Stage 4 Breast Cancer entitled “The Hustle Journey”. Her collection of materials also includes poetry, inspirational devotionals, and self- help workbooks.
Eboney is also Founder/CEO of HNH Coaching & Consulting Ltd Co. which is her Transformation Mindset Coaching and Consulting business. Her goal when working with women is to help them create balance in their lives and business so they do not experience burnout or stress. She also empowers them to see, accept, love and be the best version of themselves while living out God’s purpose. And she leads by example. She also is the Founder of “The Healing Factor” a group/program geared towards aiding those battling breast cancers with resources that will help them with bills, medicines, rides to doctors, alternative treatments and help/counseling for their families.
Eboney’s work has appeared in several online magazines and radio shows. When she is not working with her clients, she is going out and speaking to others about Gods goodness, living their best lives and overcoming obstacles. When the workday is done, you can find Eboney enjoying her life with her 4 children and dogs Zoey and Tony in Sunny Southern California, reading, doing youth ministry, or just loving life.
 
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG: forthebreastofus
Twitter: thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
Breastofus.com 
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Episode 8 Navigating Treatment as a Latina

Being Latina isn't a one-size fits all category - here at FTBOU we have voices that represent Columbia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, to name a few. On this episode, you'll hear how some of the Latina's in our community viewed their culture as it affected (or didn't affect) them navigating breast cancer treatment.
HOSTS
Miranda Gonzales
At age 39, Miranda found a lump in her breast and was told it was nothing, which lead to a new lump 6 months later and a diagnosis of Stage 3 hormone positive IDC. What followed was a year that included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction, and radiation.  Being a young Hispanic woman, she often felt out of place among the mostly older non-Hispanic patients. Most support groups she encountered were populated with women who were mostly affluent, had retired or had adult children. A year after finishing active treatment, she began to volunteer at Houston Methodist Hospital on the infusion floor as a CanCare.org volunteer, visiting with patients while they go through chemotherapy infusions.  She also began to lead the HMH local support group, in conjunction with Reconstruction of a Survivor. She is a volunteer turned employee with Wig Out.org, which offers free wig kits to uninsured and underinsured women, out of Smith Clinic and LBJ Hospital, part of Harris Health Systems in Harris County. These three activities allowed her to meet women at the beginning of their diagnosis, helping her to seek out young Hispanic women that needed the support she did not have. She has attended Project Lead, is e a YSC RISE Advocate, as well as an Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, an online community dedicated to supporting women of color diagnosed with breast cancer. She now sits on their Community Partnership Board. Lastly, she’s recently accepted a position with SHARE Cancer Support, working with the “Our MBC Life” podcast, which is dedicated to amplifying the voices and sharing the realities of those living with metastatic breast cancer. 
You can find her on IG @MirLorDehGon
GUESTS
Araceli Cortez
My name is Araceli Cortes and I am 36 years old. My husband and I recently celebrated our tenth year anniversary and we have one child, Leonardo, who is 3 years old. My husband and I own a small business under the name of Tejas Insurance Agency and specialize in providing our customers with different types of insurance policies.
In the middle of a pandemic in 2020, I felt a bump on my left breast and decided to schedule a second mammogram that same year. After more testing, I was told that I had breast cancer. I was given my diagnosis: Invasive ductal carcinoma, high nuclear grade 3, Her2+. Not knowing what my journey would look like ahead, I decided to focus on gathering information and researching more about the type of cancer I had. The more I learned and researched, the more confident I felt with my decisions along the way. I have completed my chemotherapy, had nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery, 30 rounds of radiation sessions, 14 cycles of targeted therapy, and am currently on Endocrine Therapy (hormonal therapy) waiting for my Reconstruction surgery in mid July 2022.
I thank God for my family and friends, cancer support groups, and team of doctors every day as they all continue to support and cheer me on. This feels like it is far from over, but I take it one day at a time and just focus on making happy memories with those I love as tomorrow is never promised.
You can find her at @chely048
Deb Ontiveros
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.  You can find her on IG, FB & Twitter: @deb4peace247 
 
Vanessa Chapoy
Vanessa ‘Baby Baddie’ Chapoy was diagnosed with Stage 2A Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at the age of 24. She is a LatinX baddie who is passionate about early detection and is an advocate for young women of color. She is currently going through advocacy training with The Tigerlily Foundation as well as Latinas Contra Cancer. Vanessa is excited to apply what she learns into action.
 
Natascha Vega
Natascha Vega is a Group Business Director at an advertising agency in NYC. She loves the creativity that comes with what she does and the opportunity to impact different markets and consumer needs around the globe.  Natascha is the proud “fur mom” of an amazing 17-year-old pup who has been her right hand and best companion a gal could ask for.  When she isn’t deep into her work, you can find her running the streets of Manhattan, logging some miles as she loves to stay active.   On September 11, 2020, in the midst of an already chaotic year, Natascha got a call that changed her life forever after detecting a lump the month prior on her right breast: "Ms. Vega, you have  triple positive stage 2 breast cancer." Natascha underwent 5 months of chemotherapy, a failed attempt at the cold cap treatment to preserve her hair, 15 rounds of radiation and a lumpectomy surgery.  She just finished immunotherapy and is currently taking the proper medications to prevent this from happening again.   IG:  @gitana0930  www.nomelimites.net
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG: forthebreastofus
Twitter: thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
Breastofus.com 
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Episode 7- When You See Us; My Reconstruction, My Choice

Baddie 2 Baddie Episode 7: When You See Us; My Reconstruction, My Choice”
 
Research shows that Women of Color aren't given many options when it comes to breast reconstruction. These Baddies are dispelling that myth and sharing their decision on the type of reconstruction they chose and why! If you are a breast cancer survivor with questions on which type of breast reconstruction may be right for you, then this episode is a must listen! 
Hosts:
Ginny was diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER2-, stage I, grade 2, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. After she completed active treatment in early 2020, she found the energy to focus on something other than herself and is now channeling her energy into advocacy and education – allowing herself to find some purpose from her cancer experience. Ginny is using her voice, her body, and her brain to bring attention to disparities in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes between white women and women of color, and to normalize flat closure options after mastectomy. You can reach her at @shudlucky
Tandria was diagnosed with stage II IDC/DCIS ER/PR + Her2- breast cancer of the right breast on September 28, 2020, one month after her 30th birthday. She completed chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and radiation, and is now currently on hormone therapy. She's also a flattie! You can follow her at @tangie_e.
Natascha Vega is a Group Business Director at an advertising agency in NYC. She loves the creativity that comes with what she does and the opportunity to impact different markets and consumer needs around the globe.  Natascha is the proud “fur mom” of an amazing 17-year-old pup who has been her right hand and best companion a gal could ask for.  When she isn’t deep into her work, you can find her running the streets of Manhattan, logging some miles as she loves to stay active.   On September 11, 2020, in the midst of an already chaotic year, Natascha got a call that changed her life forever after detecting a lump the month prior on her right breast: "Ms. Vega, you have  triple positive stage 2 breast cancer." Natascha underwent 5 months of chemotherapy, a failed attempt at the cold cap treatment to preserve her hair, 15 rounds of radiation, and lumpectomy surgery.  She just finished immunotherapy and is currently taking the proper medications to prevent this from happening again.  You can find her on IG @gitana0930.
Niya was diagnosed with Stage IIb breast cancer in 2019 while 12 weeks pregnant at the age of 31. Niya's treatment consisted of single mastectomy, four rounds of chemo during pregnancy, four after giving birth, and radiation. Niye began sharing her treatment journey on social media to journal this difficult time in her life. Little did she know that she would connect with many young adults impacted by breast cancer. They would inspire her to advocate for women diagnosed during pregnancy, unilateral mastectomies, breast cancer body image, and financial assistance resources. Niya is a For the Breast of Baddie Ambassador, hosts support groups for parents with cancer in partnership with Smith Center for the Healing and the Arts and Bright Spot Network, and is the board secretary for the Still Standing Alliance. Breast cancer gave Niya a chance to start living the life she always desired. This self-discovery and healing journey helped Niya find herself and discover the magical moments every day.  You can find her on IG @niyaspurpose
Our Guest:
Natalia is a 37 years old with metastatic breast cancer, currently living in a suburb outside of Salt Lake City, UT. She is the mother of a 4 and 6-year-old. She was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2017 and metastatic breast cancer in 2019.  Before breast cancer, Natalia graduated with a Master of Public Administration from ASU and has a passion for public service and activism. Currently, Natalia is a host and senior producer for Our MBC Life podcast. Natalia advocates for breast cancer awareness and education, primarily in the Latinx community and for people of color.  Outside of her activism, Natalia enjoys the outdoors, traveling (when possible), cooking, and spending time with her family.  You can find her on IG @la_vida_natalia
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG: forthebreastofus
Twitter: thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
Breastofus.com 
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)
 

Baddie 2 Baddie: Bonus Episode “Woi! We reach!!” Caribbean Heritage Month

“Woi! We reach!!”
When Baddies link up and “chat bout” cancer, Caribbean culture and everything in between. Baddie massive get your people dem. This is a must listen.
Hosts:
Shoni is a breast cancer thriver diagnosed in 2015. She is very passionate about educating others about health and fitness, lymphedema and being your own advocate. She wants women to not let cancer stop them. You can find her on Instagram at @brsuga
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 is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, 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 member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie!
Cynthia knows that to do better, you must know better.  It is her hopes that by sharing her story she can arm women with the tools necessary to understand and advocate for their health while breaking down barriers to equitable health outcomes for people of color. Cynthia can be found online @cynserity @ourlikevibes
Yahira Torres is 32 year old mother to 3 boys. Diagnosed in September 2020,  she discovered a lump on her right breast while on vacation. Upon returning home, she went to see her doctor and got the whole nine yards - an exam, mammogram, and biopsy. Yahira chose to have a double mastectomy after finding out she was positive for BRCA2 genetic mutation. After surgery, 1 out of the 17 lymph nodes that were removed was positive. Due to her age and that one positive lymph node, she decided to go through 16 rounds of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, soon after she finished chemo, Yahira needed another surgery to treat an infection in her right chest. The expander was removed, and a couple of months later, she had to remove the left expander because of a similar infection. She then completed active treatment after having 25 rounds of radiation. Currently, she is flat on both sides and waiting for her chest to heal before going into reconstructive surgery. She is also on hormone therapy for the next ten years and has recently had a preventative oophorectomy.
Guests:
Sandrea Perez is a mTNBC thrIVer, social worker, wife and stay-at-home mother of two from Jamaica, W.I. She currently lives in the Bronx, NY. You can connect with her on Instagram @thrivergal
Melissa is a mom of two brilliant and kickass people Jeffrey 31 and Victoria 30.  Since leaving the military, she has been in the field of community service in one way or another.  Before working as a Congressional Aide, Melissa was an Outreach Specialist for a Community Based Organization.   She has sat on various local and national boards with missions spanning Tenant Rights in Federally Subsidized Housing, Puerto Rican Female Empowerment and Cultural Pride, Adult and Youth literacy, Youth leadership, Financial self sufficiency support programs and Community Service Award for Higher Education.  Her greatest endeavor was in the realm of Civics and Voter Education, as the First Woman of Color to hold the position of President to the League of Women Voters of NYC, in its 100 year history.  
As a Breast Cancer thriver, Melissa is using all of these experiences and resources to launch a year round mission "Ready, Set, October" , that will celebrate and bring Women of Color to their yearly Mammogram screening.  
Facebook: Melissa del Valle Ortiz 
Mila Knight is a business operations leader who was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2019 at the age of 38. She has always managed to find solace through her profound love of music, which led to using music as therapy during her cancer battle. Mila turned her pain and passion for music into charity, and the pursuit to end disparities in healthcare. While going through chemo, Mila produced and headlined a fundraising concert, with all funds donated to breast cancer awareness and accessibility programs for women of color and immigrants. She is an advocate, continuing on her path to merge music, therapy, and service to others. She is of Trinidadian background and currently lives in the US East Coast area. You can find her on Instagram @milaknightsings @ofsongmindpodcast
Trish Michelle is a cancer thriver, public speaker & advocate. She was in her 30s when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer).  This was 2 years after her son was diagnosed with APML, a rare leukemia.
Realizing that the second hardest thing after hearing “You have cancer”, was finding a strong community of peers in which to bond & support through difficult times. As such, Trish volunteers her time with numerous nonprofits & serves as an ambassador for the NY chapter of The Breasties.  She is also cofounder of the @hiphop_happyhour community which in one year has raised almost $30,000 for charity.
Using humor and real talk, Trish has used social media to connect and advocate.  Her refreshing candor and unique voice has been featured on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, Fox5NY, News12, and recently on Healthline, to name a few.
Trish works tirelessly to raise funds, awareness, provide representation & is actively fighting systems to create an inclusive and progressive movement toward equity, particularly in the cancer and chronic illness community.
Follow along with her on Instagram @trish_newyorkcity
Make sure to follow us on social media:
IG: forthebreastofus
Twitter: thebreastofus
Facebook: For the Breast of Us
Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies
Breastofus.com 
Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)