Real women. Real stories.
Meet our MAKEMERRY models.
As we mentioned in our last post, we’re thrilled to highlight ordinary women (and real-life MAKEMERRY models!) doing extraordinary things. Like raising kids, crushing work, creating art, or helping others—all while journeying beyond breast cancer.
Last time, we got up close and personal with our landing page model, Lianne, a woman whose inner strength matches her outer strength.
Next up is Molly, a Los Angeles artist and writer, who is thankful for her “delusional optimism.” Molly was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2011. In 2015, it returned and now Molly is a metastatic breast cancer (stage 4) thriver. She chooses to live in the moment as much as possible and pour all of her energy into her creative projects. Her optimism is inspiring—and infectious.
Where are you happiest doing?
Creating or connecting with people through my work. I have a blog, www.everythingleadstothis.com, and working on that makes me happy as well.
What has been the most surprising thing about your diagnosis or experience?
That I woke up one morning without the depression that had plagued me for almost 40 years. During my treatment for early stage cancer in 2011, it disappeared along the way.
What did you know about yourself that was confirmed by this diagnosis?
That I am resilient and strong and a bit delusionally optimistic. My oncologist recently told me that’s why I’m still here.
What is the best thing someone has said or done for you during cancer?
This is difficult to answer because I’ve experienced so much support. Every time someone sends a text checking in or sending love, it feels like the best thing in the world. Recently, I took a road trip up north for my birthday, and then to Portland for the MAKEMERRY photo shoot. I almost cancelled the week and a half interim trip because I was scared to travel alone due to my health. But my dad offered to fly down from Seattle and drive north with me. So we took a road trip together. That’s pretty damn special and nice!
Now that you have had this experience, is there one thing that you would never say to someone diagnosed with cancer? Why?
There’s a lot of stuff. But if you don’t know what to say, say that. You can be honest rather than trying to sound wise. Just focus on the truth.
What have you learned about yourself?
What to prioritize. I also learned that I’m a great home decorator! I never asked myself what I liked in the way of décor until I left my marriage and wanted to carve out a sanctuary for myself. I always saw life as temporary, so why bother? But with my diagnosis, I decided the answer was that I should bother since life is so short.
What is the silver lining from your experience?
I live in the moment. But I wouldn’t really call it a silver lining. I don’t allow cancer to be a gift of any kind. The real gift is in my attitude and resilience. Of course, these gifts existed prior to my disease—cancer was an opportunity to pull them out or hone them.
Why do you want to model for MAKEMERRY?
First of all, Katie is one of the kindest, strongest, most wonderful women I have met. Collaborating with her is a dream. Second, I am obsessed with lingerie. It was my saving grace post-surgery, and acts like a love letter to my body. MAKEMERRY bras are not only comfortable, but are also sexy and feminine and make me feel that way. Third, I like being photographed nearly naked. It’s liberating and helps me accept my body—scars and all.
Molly is just the second of many bad-ass women we’ll be highlighting on the MAKEMERRY blog. Check back soon to meet our next model: a mother, skateboarder, and former lawyer who doesn’t consider herself brave, but knows she “can do hard things.’”