Marisa is a 21-year stage 4 pancreatic cancer survivor who was told she had just months to live. She decided to transform her life, and now, as a Master Integrative Coach, Marisa supports patients in achieving their personal goals related to optimal health and wellness.
In 1998, Marisa was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and told by a leading oncologist that she was medically incurable and untreatable, with less than 9 months to live. As the VP of Human Resources at a Fortune 500 company, she refused to accept her death sentence, left the corporate world, and dedicated herself to her health. She worked to develop and implement an integrative healing program for herself that combines a wide array of disciplines, including both traditional medical practices and science-based complementary approaches.
As Marisa applied her integrative life and health program, her medical condition continued to improve, including her ability to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy. She was able to maintain and regain the activities that helped her lead a higher quality of life. For her, healing took place on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level.
Through her cancer journey, Marisa discovered that what brought her the deepest happiness was being able to help others. What began as a fight for her life evolved into a career as a coach. Marisa believes in the transformational power of integrative coaching and devotes her life to guiding others with this approach. She has coached hundreds of people with metastatic cancer who are in pain and in transition to a place of healing, passion, and joy.
In 2020, Marisa co-hosted a Hirshberg Foundation Patient & Family Webinar ‘Breaking Up with Pancreatic Cancer: Survivor Stories’ alongside 5-year survivor Wendy Hammers. After Wendy was diagnosed, she heard about Marisa and enlisted her as a coach where together they created a personalized, integrated healing program. These two dynamic women are following up on their first successful webinar with a special November session, ‘Conversation and Coaching with Pancreatic Cancer Survivors’ to give hope, guidance and community to patients facing this disease.
Marisa is excited to share the skills and practices that she believes, along with medical treatment, can significantly increase the chances of getting well, of maintaining a high quality of life, while also attending to work, family and community.
Register today for Conversation and Coaching with Pancreatic Cancer Survivors Marisa Harris and Wendy Hammers on Thursday, November 19th at 10:00 a.m. (PST).
Stories from families & friends touched by pancreatic cancer often show the resilience and courage of the human spirit. Loved ones dedicate their time and effort every day to fight for a cancer-free future and every journey helps pave the way to a cure. Share your story, make a dedication and help raise awareness today.