Episode Title:

Choosing to Live: How Marissa Collins Turned a Cancer Diagnosis Into a Life of Purpose and Service

Episode Description:

In this deeply moving and powerful episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp sits down with Marissa Collins, Executive Director of Cancer Support Community Central Washington, to share a story of resilience, courage, and choosing purpose in the face of life’s hardest moments.

At just 31 years old, Marissa was newly married, starting a new job, and building her marketing career when a self-breast exam led to a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. What followed was an aggressive and life-altering journey—bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries.

But Marissa didn’t just survive. She transformed her experience into a calling.

Today, she leads the very organization that supported her through cancer, helping others feel less alone and ensuring critical resources reach those who need them most. This episode is a testament to what happens when a woman listens to her inner voice, refuses to let fear take up space in her head, and chooses to live a life of impact.

Key Discussion Points (with time stamps):

• (00:02–01:45) Introduction to Marissa and her professional background in marketing and nonprofits

• (01:51–03:40) Discovering a breast cancer diagnosis just weeks into a new job

• (03:40–04:45) Aggressive treatment: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries

• (04:55) Becoming Executive Director of Cancer Support Community Central Washington

• (06:08–07:25) How surviving cancer reshaped her confidence, gratitude, and leadership style

• (08:00–09:44) Major milestones since stepping into leadership post-COVID

• (10:10–11:44) What the organization needs most: diversified funding and donated resources

• (12:52–13:27) The role of listening and lived experience in leadership

• (14:53–17:13) Overcoming self-doubt and stepping into executive leadership

• (18:27–19:25) How Marissa reframed negative self-talk and built a new inner dialogue

• (20:46–22:22) Legacy, purpose, and living the life she fought to keep

• (22:34–24:07) The role of family, mentors, and community support

• (24:27–26:11) Advice for young women pursuing nonprofit leadership

• (26:16–26:45) Favorite quote that guides her outlook on life

• (28:31) Official name change to Cancer Support Community Central Washington

Notable Quotes:

• “I was 31 years old and all of my friends were having babies—and I was fighting for my life.”

• “That self-doubt was taking up real estate in my head that didn’t belong there.”

• “This is the life that I fought so hard to live.”

• “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to decide to be happy.”

• “I realized I didn’t need to prove anyone wrong—just my self-doubt.”

Takeaways:

• Listening to your body and intuition can save your life.

• Self-doubt often appears right before growth—don’t let it stop you.

• Leadership doesn’t require perfection, only courage and commitment.

• Community support is critical during life’s hardest seasons.

• Giving back can become a powerful form of healing.

• Your greatest challenges can become your greatest purpose.

Connect with Guest:

• Current Website: https://www.wellnessplacewenatchee.org/
• Future Website: https://www.csccentralwa.org
• Future Email: marissa@csccentralwa.org

Connect with Us:

• Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher
• Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/
• April’s email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com

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