Marisa Stachelski is a colon cancer survivor, BRCA2 previvor, hereditary cancer advocate, and founder and host of BRCA & Beyond. At 37, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 colon cancer, which ultimately led to genetic testing and the discovery that she carries a BRCA2 mutation. That experience, along with her family history of cancer and the risk-reducing decisions that followed, opened her eyes to the emotional and practical realities of living with hereditary cancer risk.

She created BRCA & Beyond to bridge the gap between clinical care and lived experience
through honest conversations with survivors, previvors, advocates, and experts. Her mission is to raise awareness of hereditary cancer, encourage people to understand their family history, and help those navigating genetic risk feel informed, supported, and less alone.

LSAE Interests & Strengths I’d especially love to build on our conversation about bridging the previvor care gap and further educating clinicians on how to better support previvors. It’s something we both understand personally, and I think there is a real opportunity to bring more attention to it together. I’d also love to contribute through BRCA & Beyond, social media, events, awareness initiatives, and the relationships I’ve built with advocates and professionals in the hereditary cancer space. I’m really open to where this partnership can go and excited about finding meaningful ways to
combine our platforms, communities, and shared advocacy.