Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Baddie 2 Baddie! Today, Marissa sits down with her sister and fellow creative force behind the movement, Cynthia. In this powerful conversation, Cynthia opens up about her recent diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer- a moment that shifted not only her life, but the energy and urgency of her work within the Baddie community.

As they share their personal stories, Marissa and Cynthia tackle the realities of living with breast cancer, from those first feelings of fatigue and uncertainty to the weight of sharing such intimate news with loved ones. You'll hear how these experiences have made their work more intentional and pressing than ever, especially in creating spaces and resources for Black and brown women impacted by breast cancer.

This episode explores survivorship reimagined- what it means to thrive, build support systems, and navigate the delicate balance of advocacy and self-care. Through raw honesty, laughter, and a few tears, Cynthia and Marissa remind us why community matters, why representation is essential, and how storytelling can be a lifeline.

Whether you’re living with metastatic breast cancer, supporting someone who is, or seeking inspiration and solidarity, this episode is a moving reminder to find fulfillment, speak up, and keep pushing for change. Let’s dive in to “When the Story Shifts: Cynthia’s Next Chapter with MBC.”

A note about our sponsor, Eli Lily and Daiichi Sankyo!

Hey Baddies! We want to take a quick minute to shout out to our amazing sponsor, Eli Lilly and Daiichi Sankyo, for supporting our mission on Baddie 2 Baddie! Because of their generosity, we can keep these important conversations about breast cancer awareness and advocacy going strong for our community of WOC. Big love to Eli Lilly for standing with us!

About our guest:

Dr. Cynthia Johnson is a passionate advocate, educator, and community builder who has dedicated much of her life to uplifting and empowering women of color impacted by breast cancer. First diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018, she underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. After completing treatment, Cynthia turned her personal journey into purpose, lending her voice, skills, and leadership to create awareness, build community, and push for health equity.

Just a few years after both of her sisters were also diagnosed with breast cancer, Cynthia's advocacy took on even greater urgency when, in May 2025, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to the lining of her lung. Through her work with For the Breast of Us and initiatives like Breast Cancer BaddieCon, Cynthia continues to highlight the unique challenges and disparities that women of color face in cancer care while building vibrant spaces of support, education, and empowerment. Transparent and unafraid to share both the heartbreak and the hope of survivorship, she uses her platform to remind others that joy, resilience, and community are powerful medicines too.