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Fighting Cancer in Heels!

Thursday October 1st, 2009

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Marlena Ortiz was one of the first guests to open the show for Wendy when the show premiered in July.

At only 25-years old, Marlena was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer a couple months ago.

Wendy inspired Marlena to face cancer head on and kick cancer’s ass while wearing heels!

Keep reading for more on Marlena’s story…

Marlena started chemo in September and came back to tell Wendy how her fight is going.

She started documenting her journey on her new website, marlenaproject.webs.com and has become an advocate in her own right, encouraging all women to get their annual breast exams.

Marlena wants everyone to remember that cancer affects anyone regardless of age or ethnicity and you can never be too young to start self exams and get yearly screenings.

To follow Marlena’s journey or to become one of her “Sexy Awareness Angels” and pick up your own t-shirt, visit her website marelenaproject.webs.com.

You can leave her your messages of support and encouragement below!

Tell Us: Who are you inspired by?

44 Comments

  1. I can relate to Marlena’s story. I am 45, mother of two amazing boys (kevin & Justin) and in my corner is my wonderful husband (Kevin) who helps make each and every day pleasant for me. I lost my only sibbling to breast cancer in 2006. I was laid off from my job on June 8, 2009 and diagonised with stage 3 breast cancer on June 10 2009. My world was shattered. I was a mess. But I am hear to speak that I am a survivor and we as women need to take a stance and believe that there is life after cancer. I am fighting every day to let our young and older women know to treat their bodies like a castle. Take of care of your bodies. I believe that I am the queen and I do what is necessary to protect the castle (my body). I refuse to be depressed, angry or upset. I must hold my head up because god has given me the chance to make a difference. I am down to my last chemo treatment and really I cant complain. My life is great. I truely believe that god has a task for me thru cancer. Wendy your show is great and has given me so much hope. Oh yeah….How you doin’? Keep up with the information on breast cancer for the public. Knowledge is obtained thru education.

  2. Wendy!

    Look, I’m from New Mexico originally and we didn’t know anything about you… you know… the 5 black people that live there. I moved to Dallas, so now there’s 4, but I digress.
    I just want to say it like I mean it… you’re the stuff. For real!
    The out fit today… the purple lips, the good wig, WORK IT.

    Call me… Let’s Tawlk.

  3. Marlena,

    Your story is very inspiring. This year has been very challenging for our family, because we lost one of our own to breast cancer on June 12th. Like you, my cousin Jessica, was very sassy, stylish and beautiful. Most importantly, she was loved by everyone. She was 33 years old when she passed away.

    It’s wonderful how you have been so strong, proactive, and fierce throughout your journey. May God bless you and your family. I will have you in my prayers.

  4. This comment is about Ms. Marlena Ortiz . When I saw her on your very 1st episode I was like OMG she is so beautiful & then when she stated that she had breast cancer I was like OMG again because she was sooooooo young. Then she reminded me of myself because at the age of 29 I have a tumor the size of a grapefruit sitting on my uterus and two more the size of eggs in my uterine walls.

    What reminded me of myself was the fact that even though she is going through this difficult time she is NOT letting that stop her from still getting up in the morning dressing & lookin’ fly. She is NOT letting it take her personality away or anything else.

    When I saw her for the 2nd time I didn’t recognize her but again I was like “that lady is beautiful” & come to find out it was Marlena again. I just love her spirit & I will be supporting her through this journey.

  5. Hi Wendy: Just love your show. You are the hottest new face on television. You inspire people to be who they are not what people eant them to be. So keep on going Wendy. You are the next Oprah and then some. I tape your show every day and I’m 58 years old. Can’t get enough of the show. I have told all my friends to tune in also and they love you too. Take care. You are my favorite program. Pat

  6. Dear Wendy,

    Did you hear Kandi Burruss’ ex-fiance Ashley ‘A.J.’ Jewell was killed friday night in the parking of the club he owned? Very sad. He suffered a blow to the head by one of his employees.

  7. Hi Wendy. I am enjoying your show every night with my 3 year old grandson. We love you.
    I am wanting to get in touch with you or whoever is in charge of your booking. My friend is the lead singer of The Stylistics. He is a huge fan of yours also. As a matter of fact he is from Jersey and still lives there I think. He really wants to come on your show for an interview. His name is Eban Brown. Please call me or email me back for his info. Thank you. “How You Doin”??

  8. Hi everyone,

    How you doing??

    I am so touched by your comments and that you would like to purchase my “Sexy awareness T-Shirts” Please email me at marlena@themarlenaproject.com. I do not have access to your information through the Wendy Williams website so please email when you can. I will keep strong and I will continue to spread as much awareness as possible!

    xoxo,

    Marlena

  9. Hi Marlena,

    I commend your courage, the ladies at my workplace ImageCareLLC
    would like to support you by purchasing the t-shirt that you showed when you
    where on the Wendy Williams Show, please e-mail me with infomation on how
    we can purchase some of them, continue doing what you are doing
    when I went though my fight, God gave me the 4 F’s, and I would like to share
    them with you, Faith, Focus and Follow though with my fight, my destiny
    depends on it, look to hear from you soon.

  10. Wendy, I luv your show. You’re the QUEEN OF HOT TOPICS. but seriously I was really moved by marlena’s story, She is very brave, and humble due to the circumstances. Thank you for keeping me informed. Oh by the way Wendy How u doin?

  11. Wend, I luv your show. You’re the QUEEN

  12. Hello my name is Cookie Johnson and エ am a Breast Cancer survior. エ was diagnois with Breast Cancer in June of 05. When エ first found out that エ had it エ went from stage 1 to stage 2 in less then a week. But エ thank god that エ had my family, my church family and my friends by my side cause エ couldn’t have made it without them. As エ was going through my chemo therapy エ had some good doctors that was their to keep me encourage because believe me エ was scared. But エ am Cancer free now. エ still go to the doctor every 6 months for a Breast exam. So if need someone to talk to who have been through what ｙou are going through feel free to email me or call me エ will be happy to talk to you. Keep up the good work and don’t let this beat you, you beat it. Sincerely yours Cookie Johnson.

  13. Marlena,

    My name is Tewanda and I am 26 years old. I can relate to your story as on 9/14/09, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. This diagnosis was devastating to me because I lost my mother to breast cancer on the very same date, last year (9/14/08). When I got the news, I was totally devastated. Once I released my pain, I realized that my mother’s story does not have to be my story and I have to beat this for myself and for my daughter. Then I went into action. I started researching breast cancer online in order to become educated on the disease. I have also made changes to my lifestyle such as “trying” to eat better.
    For the past couple of weekends, I’ve purchased stylish headwraps, hats, and wigs. I am determined not to let Breast Cancer to rob me of my self-esteem. I want to let people know that I’m okay and this disease is not a reflection of who I am.
    Marlena, we can beat this! And just like you, I’m gonna look fly doing it!

    Feel free to contact me,

    Fellow Heel Wearer (love my Stillettos!)

    Tewanda

  14. HI you doing? wendy I was Diagonoise with breast cancer on nov 2nd 2006 with Stage 1 I saw the show on oct1st and i was touch by marlenas story i started to Cry I’m having a tough time at this present time my mother had a stroke in june And she is still hospitalized i just want to ask how do i get those t shirt i would like To support the cause And purchase One THANK YOU

  15. Love your show. your first guest had tee shirts supporting her fight against breast cancer. I would like to purchase on to support the cause. How can I find out where i can purchase on. Thanks

  16. Thursday October 1st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
    Hi, Wendy,

    I love your high energy and your sensitivity toward those with breast cancer or prostate cancer. Your advice NEVER to give up is right on! I speak as a prostate cancer survivor, author, and healthcare educator often in the media. I would love to chat with you on your show to discuss men, women and prostate cancer, joined by some friends from Women Against Prostate Cancer based in Washington, D.C.
    –Rabbi Ed Weinsberg, Sarasota, FL (www.ConquerProstateCancer.com)

  17. We are always very inspired to hear about young women who are fighting cancer. Specifically, the difficulty in dealing with hair loss from chemotherapy. Hats off to the sassy Ms. Ortiz and we wish her the best of health.

    Marlena feel free to contact us if you ever want to try a CUSTOM FULL LACE WIG!!! We’ll give you a great discount for the advertising ;o)

    LaDana’s Lace Wigs
    Charlotte, NC

  18. Hi Wendy,
    I watched your show on Oct.1 and was touced by Marlena’s story. I saw that she had tee shirts supporting her fight against breast cancer. I would like to purchase on to support the cause. How can I find out where i can purchase on. Thanks

  19. How you doing Wendy :) I want to take the time to say to Marleana thank you for your story.. Two days ago I lost my cousin to breast cancer. She was quite young and full of life. For the past two years I have seen her suffer without her even complaining..I have sat next to her these last few days of her life and wondered how did she stay positive and strong. I have a whole new outlook of life. If there is anything, anything I can do to push the cause, please contact me personally. WE NEED A CURE!!!

  20. How you doin’ Wendy,

    My mother is a sixteen year breast cancer survivor. She has motivated me to work on educating women on the subject of Breast Cancer awareness and education. Even when she was going through radiation treatments-she still worked her job and continued to do work in her faith based community. Every time the opportunity comes up for her to be supportive of another woman who has learned she has this disease-my mom does not hesistate to be of support.

    One more thing Wendy, please mention Sisters Inc. as one of the nationwide organiztions supporting women in the fight against Breast Cancer. These sistas are working it out within our community.

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