An Interview with Marisa Lee, Founder and President of The Pink Agenda

NH: In interviews you talk about reaching the "next generation." Who is this to you, and what do you expect of this "next generation?"

ML: I believe that the demographic to which The Pink Agenda appeals is the next generation of philanthropists. Young professionals have remained largely unengaged and underutilized in the fight against breast cancer, and we're endeavoring to change that. These individuals are really an untapped resource, and I believe that their participation can expedite the discovery of a cure for the disease. We're excited that we've been able to get young professionals to commit to our cause, and we're hopeful that The Pink Agenda will become the charity of choice for this generation.

NH: What was it like be on the cusp of graduating from Harvard when your mom was diagnosed with breast cancer? Did you share this info with friends or teachers?

ML: My mom had MS when I was in college and wasn't diagnosed with breast cancer until the week of graduation. When we suspected that she had cancer, I essentially told people right away. From a practical perspective, I knew her diagnosis would mean that I would be absent for a portion of "Senior Week" and that she may not be able to attend our commencement ceremony. Rather than avoid the issue, I told anyone who asked or would need to know-starting with my 10 roommates.

I think I'm also just a really honest and open person who fundamentally believes that the more you share, the more you are bound to receive. I have learned so much from others just by sharing my own experiences.

NH: How did you share the news of your mom's cancer diagnosis with them? Any awkward moments?

ML: There weren't really any awkward moments, but there were two really tough moments. One night before I returned to school for graduation, my roommates boyfriend called my parents house. I was screening all calls coming to my cell phone, as I had told my friends about her diagnosis but wasn't actually ready to deal with it. My friend - and my roommates boyfriend - Wes was 21 years old and had just battled stage 3 testicular cancer. My dad answered the phone and not knowing about my plan to screen all calls, he passed Wes along to me and I was finally forced to really talk to someone. I could not recall the details of the conversation if I tried, but I finally broke down and am so appreciative of his call.

The second encounter occurred during a "Senior Week" talent show when I gave a friend a hard time for spending so much time at home recently and suddenly had the common sense to ask if everything was alright at home. It turned out that it wasn't; six weeks earlier his mom had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. He is one of my closest friends, so it was pretty weird. Thank God, she is still alive and thriving!

When my mom died, I notified those same roommates via email, and it was pretty unexpected as half of them had seen her the month before when we were told she had six months to a year to live, but six weeks later she was gone.