We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Power. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Making the decision to transition from my private psychotherapy practice to founding Pawsitively 4 Pink was both challenging and transformative. Leaving behind the familiarity and financial stability of my practice for the uncertainties of starting a nonprofit was daunting. I went from a predictable income and a well-established routine to facing the reality of not knowing where the next dollar would come from. The shift from a stable financial place to a realm of uncertainty was one of the most difficult aspects of this journey.

However, my desire to help a greater number of people outweighed the comfort of the known. In my practice, I could only assist one person at a time, but I recognized a significant gap in support for low-income women diagnosed with breast cancer. These women often had nowhere to turn, and I felt a compelling need to address this issue. This realization propelled me to take the leap and start Pawsitively 4 Pink.

It has been six years since I made this life-altering decision. The journey has been filled with both heartache and fulfillment. Watching the women we support battle this relentless disease, and sometimes losing their fight, is incredibly heartbreaking. Additionally, the constant struggle of securing donations is a relentless challenge. Hearing “no” repeatedly can be discouraging, but it has also taught me resilience and perseverance.

Despite these hardships, Pawsitively 4 Pink continues to make a significant impact. We’ve been able to support numerous women in their fight against breast cancer, providing them with financial assistance and emotional support. Each success story, each woman we help, reaffirms the importance of our mission and gives us the strength to keep pushing forward.

In retrospect, while the decision to leave my practice was filled with uncertainty, it was driven by a profound sense of purpose. The fulfillment that comes from knowing we’re making a difference in the lives of so many women is immeasurable. It hasn’t been an easy road, but it’s one I would choose again in a heartbeat.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Michelle Power, and I am the founder of Pawsitively 4 Pink, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to low-income women diagnosed with breast cancer. Our mission is unique in that we support women not only within Massachusetts but also outside of traditional treatment options. In fact, Pawsitively 4 Pink is the only organization in the country that offers this level of comprehensive support.

We pride ourselves on assisting women regardless of whether they choose traditional or holistic therapy paths. Understanding that each journey with cancer is deeply personal, we respect and support their treatment decisions wholeheartedly.

One of the distinctive aspects of our organization is our commitment to integrating rescue dogs into the healing process. We train and place these dogs with families affected by breast cancer, providing emotional and psychological support. This year, we are launching an exciting new initiative: training and placing two service dogs annually with families connected to breast cancer. As part of this initiative, we ask these families to commit to 2-4 hours of monthly visits to either the women we support or oncology units, fostering a sense of community and shared strength.

We are particularly proud of the high level of individualized support we provide to the women we assist. Unlike other organizations, we take each case and work on a month-to-month basis, understanding that needs can fluctuate. This approach ensures that we can respond dynamically and effectively to the varying challenges faced by our beneficiaries.

At Pawsitively 4 Pink, our focus is not on prevention or research; we are all about direct, immediate assistance. Our goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of women battling breast cancer, providing them with the financial, emotional, and practical support they need to navigate their journey.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession without hesitation. From a young age, I had a unique gift for getting people to open up and share deeply personal things, even with a child. I had a way of making others feel safe, giving them the courage to answer any question I might have. This natural ability only grew stronger through the traumatic and diverse experiences I encountered in life.

I always knew I wanted to be a therapist. Pursuing a degree in psychology was a natural step for me, allowing me to combine my innate ability to connect with people with the practical skills needed to help them effectively. Being a therapist brings countless heartfelt rewards. The trust people place in me to share their most intimate thoughts and feelings is a profound privilege that brings me a sense of fulfillment I can’t find anywhere else.

Working with individuals, especially those who are deeply wounded, has been transformative not just for them, but for me as well. It has helped me look inward, grow, and change in ways I never imagined. Despite the emotional challenges this job presents, I know this is what I was meant to do. The impact I can make on others’ lives and the personal growth I experience as a result reaffirm my choice every day. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing I can offer support, hope, and healing to those who need it most.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe that patience is the most crucial factor for succeeding in the nonprofit world. Patience, patience, patience. You must let time do its job. You can be completely focused and disciplined in your field, but sometimes you have no control over certain aspects.

It takes time for people to understand what you do and for your message to resonate with them. Building a brand and gaining recognition in the nonprofit sector is not an overnight process. You need to allow time to understand the intricacies and nuances of the field, and to adapt to its ever-changing landscape.

Time also allows you to make mistakes and learn from them. These experiences are invaluable in shaping your understanding and approach. Patience gives you the resilience to navigate setbacks and the perspective to see them as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

Understanding your role within the organization also requires time. You need to observe, engage, and reflect to grasp how you can best contribute and lead effectively. Without patience, you might rush decisions, overlook important details, and miss opportunities for meaningful connections and impactful actions.

In the nonprofit world, patience is not just about waiting; it’s about being present and attentive during the process. It’s about allowing relationships to develop naturally, strategies to evolve organically, and your mission to unfold gradually. Patience enables you to build a solid foundation, foster trust, and create lasting change. Without it, you risk making hasty mistakes that could hinder your progress and undermine your efforts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pawsitively4pink.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsitively4pink
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsitively4pink
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawsitively4pink