Congratulations to Marisa Dolan Paraschak, one of our 20 Outstanding Women of 2025!
Listen to Marisa’s full interview with Blake and Kelly below:
Marisa Dolan Paraschak is a dedicated community leader and advocate for young women battling breast cancer. Diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer at just 28, she faced the challenges of treatment firsthand and recognized a critical lack of local resources. Determined to create change, Marisa founded the New England Breast Cancer Alliance (NEBCA) in 2019, a Maine-based nonprofit focused on supporting breast cancer research and providing vital assistance to patients and survivors.
As board president, Marisa balances a full-time job and motherhood while leading NEBCA’s initiatives. She has raised over $55,000 for breast cancer research, distributed $6,000 in holiday gift cards to patients facing financial hardships, and organized multiple community events. The heart of NEBCA’s efforts is the annual Runway for Hope fashion show, spotlighting over 40 breast cancer survivors in empowering, custom-made outfits.
Marisa’s leadership has also forged partnerships to distribute essential goods to women across New England. Her dedication has created a strong support network in her community, ensuring no woman fights breast cancer alone.
