We caught up with the brilliant and insightful AnnaMarie Missisian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
AnnaMarie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’m the Founder of a local non-profit that serves those affected by breast cancer. In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and quickly learned how chaotic and grueling going through cancer was. My treatment included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation. The doctors and nurses were wonderful at administering medicine, but there was so much information left out. No one explained to me what it was going to feel like to lose my hair. Physically or emotionally. No one explained to me that having cancer was like having another full time job. No one explained what neuropathy was going to feel like or even what to expect after surgery. The whole experience was chaotic. Trying to figure out the side effects, the surgeries, the list of doctors – there’s was no one guiding me. When I was deemed cancer free, I thought “Good riddance” and thought I was done. Unfortunately for me, in 2019, after only being in remission for a little over a year, my cancer returned in my chest wall. Once again I was thrown into a world of chemotherapy and surgeries but this time, it was different. Even though it was physically harder on my body, I was more prepared this round. I knew what questions to ask, I knew to expect certain side effects, I knew how to prepare myself for chemotherapy appointments and how to set up my home for after surgery. This second diagnosis really made me realize that there is a huge gap between the medical professionals and the patients and I wanted to fill that gap. I now had experience that could potentially help others. I didn’t have any expectations of what would happen if I created this space, I just knew that I wanted to be available if anyone needed it. So I started a private Facebook group, called it the Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors and magic happened. It was a need. It was a definite need for our city and it didn’t take long for newly diagnosed women to find me, and for other cancer survivors to join in. Our focus was and is, survivors helping survivors through our personal experiences. There is no better way to learn about something than to learn it from others who have personally been through it. We are the only non profit in town that does what we do and I’m so proud of what the Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors has become.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Our non-profit provides support for those going through a breast cancer diagnosis. We provide tangible resources such a wigs, prosthetics, wheelchairs, mastectomy pillows, holiday meal assistances, chemo care kits, mastectomy kits, drain belts, radiation creams and more. Then we also provide services such as support groups both in person and online, monthly surgical informational meetings to prepare them for surgery, seminars about related topics – women’s health, yoga, wills & trusts, etc. and lots of social activities as well – crafts, monthly get-togethers. While there are other places around town that provide some of these items, we have them all in one spot. Someone going through a cancer diagnosis shouldn’t have to drive all over town to get the support they need. We’re a one stop shop – but everything is free!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
As a nonprofit, we didn’t start with any capital. The fees to submit paperwork were actually donated by our lawyer so we could become official. At first, I just started giving out supplies that I had used – donating them to others to use. Trying to save people money on buying an item that they’ll use for a couple of weeks and (hopefully) never need again. Then other members from our group started donating items. And then we discovered that our city is filled with amazing people. As soon as I put it out there what I was doing, immediately I had a community of support. People were asking how they could help from the very beginning. In October, during breast cancer awareness month, it is overwhelmingly wonderful how many businesses reach out and want to host fundraisers for us. It really makes you proud of the city we live in. All our funding comes from the community, individuals and businesses. We’re very grateful to have the support.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Experience. It makes all the difference. When we have people come to our center and go over what to expect from surgery, and after surgery, or what to expect during chemotherapy or radiation – we aren’t just reading from a book, or from Google. We are giving real life experiences to help them through it. We’re honest about the pain, the hardships, the aftermath – but we can also provide hope – because we’re here and we’re proof that they can make it. Hope isn’t just a word for cancer patients, it’s much more to us – and when you see someone who has survived what you’re about to go through, it can make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: lasvegasbreastcancerwarriors.com
- Instagram: @lasvegasbreastcancerwarriors
- Facebook: Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors Non-Profit
