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