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

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: [email protected] Connect with Us: • Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher • Stay updated on new episodes: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/ • April's email: [email protected] Join the DreamHer Community: Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode inspired you. Don't forget to tag us with your favorite takeaways using #FanaticalDreamHer on social media!