What does hope look like when a young mother hears the word cancer for the first time?

We welcome Marissa Henley, cancer survivor, author, speaker, and mother of three, to share her story of faith, fear, and long-term healing after a rare cancer diagnosis. At age 34, Marissa was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, an aggressive and uncommon cancer, just one day before her birthday. With three small children at home, her world shifted instantly as she faced treatment decisions, uncertainty, and the weight of not knowing how much time she might have.

Marissa shares the moment she discovered a lump, the shock of hearing a diagnosis she had never heard of, and the prayer that carried her through those early days. Her treatment led her to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where an unexpected clinical trial made continued chemotherapy possible. Through months of travel, separation from home, and intense care, she experienced both deep grief and unexpected peace.

Now more than fifteen years cancer free, Marissa reflects on how her journey shaped her faith, motherhood, and calling to support others. Through writing and speaking, she offers honest encouragement for survivors, caregivers, and anyone walking through suffering. Her story is a reminder that while cancer changes everything, hope can still grow in the middle of it.

Highlights:

1. How Marissa navigated a rare cancer diagnosis while parenting three very young children
2. What survivorship really feels like after treatment ends and the support fades
3. Why specific help matters more than good intentions when loving someone with cancer
4. How faith, grief, and joy can exist together during a cancer journey
5. What it means to build a life after cancer without minimizing the loss that came before

Mentioned Resources:

CanCare- www.cancare.org

Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook

Marissa Henley – www.marissahenley.com/

About the Guest:

Marissa Henley is a cancer survivor, author, speaker, and spiritual leader. Diagnosed in 2010 with a rare cancer called angiosarcoma while raising three young children, her journey deepened her faith and shaped her passion for supporting others through difficult seasons.

She is the author of Loving Your Friend Through Cancer and After Cancer: Thriving with Hope. Through her writing, speaking, and leadership in women’s ministries, Marissa offers honest reflections on grief, fear, and faith, helping women find hope and meaning beyond a cancer diagnosis.

Love the podcast? You’ll be moved by the book. The Hope in the Face of Cancer book shares inspiring, real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. Raw, uplifting, and full of heart—for anyone seeking hope and connection. Get your copy: cancare.org/hopebook.

About Our Host:

Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare