Brooklyn native Marlena Ortiz is a young woman who is making her voice heard as a champion of women who face breast cancer and all its ramifications. She is committed to changing the face of the disease by establishing her own foundation “Beating Cancer in Heels” in 2010. The foundation is dedicated to the empowerment of women by providing programming that helps the individual function in their own world with a positive attitude, and a face of hope and strength.
Her early career has been in fashion, an experience that has given her an understanding how looking good translates to feeling good. Ortiz wants to help cancer survivors explore ways they can transform their outer lives, as well as strengthen inner feelings of self worth. Combining a passion for fashion, and a passion to make a difference, she studied at NYU to earn her certification as a Life Coach. Marlena is building a program through the foundation to provide “one on one life coaching” for women who seek advice and support at no cost.
Marlena’s personal journey began at the age of 25 when first diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Treatment has included both surgery and chemotherapy, and now she dedicates her time and energy to helping others through Beating Cancer in Heels. A major frustration was the feeling that she no longer felt feminine, and wanted once again to feel like a “normal” young woman.
Her journey has captured the interest of both the press and celebrities. Wendy Williams invited Marlena to come on her show and tell her story. A New York Daily News reporter comments “Ortiz kicked breast cancer to the curb – while wearing her 3-inch stilettos. When the disease took over her body, she refused to let it take over her self-esteem.”
Her “Heels” lead her forward on a proud journey to a fulfilling life. HEELS are a carefully selected symbol of recovery, and as she counsels other women, it is clear that the concept of feeling feminine and attractive is a positive step towards a happy tomorrow. In the coming months the nonprofit’s focus will be on gaining the endorsements and financial support needed to make Beating Cancer in Heels a reality, and to help countless women find the fashionista within.
Our intimate community supports each other with much compassion, inspiration, and positive reinforcement. During or after Cancer, we are here to be of added assistance through all that happens outside the doctor’s office. We strive to create a safe space where feelings are valid, vital tips are given, and new life experiences are encouraged. Created by young survivors for young survivors. Life Coaching
Beating Cancer in Heels is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers young women who have been diagnosed with Cancer. We aim to motivate our members to continue moving forward with their lives by offering life coaching, workshops, and social activities.
Life Coaching
To Simply Put It: Working with a Life Coach is the equivalent of working with a personal trainer for your life, minus the pain & suffering of course.
What is group Life coaching?
Four or less young survivors will meet via phone or skype for a 45min-1hr session with a Certified Life Coach.
A shared conversation aimed at helping you balance your life and improve your thinking about it.
A discussion that focuses on the present and the future.
What should you expect in a session?
Mapping out an action plan to help you get from where you are, to where you want to be.
Insight, empowerment and support.
Working with a coach who will hold you accountable for achieving the goals you set for yourself.
When should you be Coached?
When you are ready to explore new ways to help you move forward after Cancer treatments.
When you are ready to make changes in your environment and circumstances.
When you ware ready to commit to yourself and your group sessions.
Group Life Coaching is not THERAPY, MENTORING or CONSULTING. Most importantly, it is NOT for everyone.
If you feel your life can benefit from this service, then we are here for you!
Go to our appointment page to book a session with us and we will be in touch soon.
We are looking forward to working with you!
Thank you and make today count!
Just Be You Beauty Workshop
Sometimes Cancer changes the way you look and feel about yourself. It’s a lot to cope with in addition to your diagnosis. We get that! This is why we created the Just be you Beauty Workshop to give tips on how to work through the different issues that occur during and after your treatments.
What happens in the Just Be You Beauty Workshop?
You and a group of other young survivors will meet via skype for an hour and a half long workshop.
What we will cover
How to Build Confidence
How to shop, style and care for your wigs or hairpieces.
How to shop and style your head wrap
How to shop and dress with a mastectomy
How to dress with hot flashes
How to draw in eyebrows
How to discover what makes you feel beautiful
How to empower yourself
How to receive free beauty supplies
Surprise experts will attend.
Please sign up at our appointment page to attend our next Beauty Workshop. If you are interested in having our Workshop at your New York Cancer/Wellness Center, or would like to contribute your expertise, please contact us.
Stepping Out for a Girls’ Night Out
Sometimes all a girl needs is a day or night out with ladies who understand you. Which is exactly why we implemented our “Stepping Out” program for our BCH Girls.
What can I expect from a “Stepping Out” event?
A new adventure
Hanging out with other young Cancer survivors
Inspiration
Fun
Laughter
Moments to remember forever
Our aim is to host a Stepping Out event every three months. If you would like to attend the next Stepping Out night, please contact us and we will keep you posted!
After beating Cancer I was lost. I didn’t know what I was going to do and even if I did I didn’t know where to start.
Then came Marlena. Not only did she help me figure out where to start with everything I had in mind to do, but she also encouraged me to get started on the goals I set for myself.
I believe people who have been through something like Cancer should help others because they understand the struggle more than anyone else. This is why I truly admire how this strong young woman who overcame breast Cancer is now helping others who are going through the same thing.
I’m very thankful that she took some of her time to help me and I will forever be thankful for her help.
Once again…thank you Marlena!
-Aurora Sarabia-Young Survivor
I can’t imagine going through this journey without the love and support of Marlena.
Her dedication to fight, and stay beautiful while doing it, has made me realize that life does go on, and that I too can do the same.
She has been there through my tears and laughter, and because of that, we have built an unbreakable bond as well as an amazing friendship. Although we are 2 different women from two different walks of life, we both have the same desire to live, help and teach.
I will continue to be a survivor, but most importantly with my heels on!
ACCEPTS VIRTUAL CLIENTS
Beating Cancer In Heels
P.O Box 227222
Brooklyn, New York 11229
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