We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marylin Dans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marylin , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Growing up as a first-generation Cuban immigrant, resilience wasn’t just a word in my vocabulary, it was the air I breathed. Witnessing my parents, who arrived in a new country at the age of 15 and 17, navigate unfamiliarity and language barriers with unwavering determination, instilled in me a deep understanding of hard work and perseverance.
Even in elementary school, that spirit took root. Sweeping floors and folding towels at my mother’s beauty salon weren’t just chores; they were lessons in responsibility and the satisfaction of a job well done. As I grew, my tasks evolved, mirroring my own evolving spirit. This early exposure to work ethic and the power of effort laid the foundation for my approach to life.
It’s this same unwavering spirit that fuels my current passion: The Pink Luminous Advocacy Project, a 501c3 foundation dedicated to breast cancer awareness and advocacy. This journey hasn’t been easy. Witnessing the impact of the disease firsthand, I felt a calling to make a difference, one that required unwavering determination. This summer, after seven years of relentless pursuit, we achieved a historic milestone: direct-to-consumer registration of the Pink Luminous device as a Class I medical device in the European Union and the United Kingdom.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the resilience forged in my childhood. It’s the unwavering belief that anything is achievable, the understanding that setbacks are opportunities to learn, and the relentless drive to make a difference that fuels my fight. Most wouldn’t have persisted for seven years, but for me, giving up wasn’t an option. This is about more than just a device; it’s about empowering individuals and saving lives.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My story starts with a defining moment at the age of 17: a tumor found in my breast. Being a young Latina navigating the unfamiliar world of healthcare wasn’t easy. The fear and uncertainty of that experience left an indelible mark, shaping my path and leading me to where I am today – dedicated to empowering women through early breast cancer detection.
My journey began with the Pink Luminous Breast, a device that revolutionizes how women can perform at-home breast self-examinations. Holding that prototype in my hand, I knew I wasn’t just creating a product; I was building a bridge towards healthier futures.
But my mission didn’t stop there. In 2019, we launched the Pink Luminous Advocacy Project, a non-profit that champions accessibility and awareness. We created the first-ever bilingual, voice-guided breast awareness app, ensuring information reaches even those with limited language skills. This year, we’re developing its second generation, further amplifying our reach.
Our commitment to innovation extends to clinical trials. In 2021, the Pink Luminous Breast device demonstrated efficacy comparable to mammography, solidifying its role as a valuable tool. We’re currently working with the FDA to make it available for clinical use, empowering doctors with an additional screening option.
This summer, we made history by registering the device as a Class I medical device in the EU and UK, opening doors to direct-to-consumer sales and impacting countless lives worldwide. Our goal is to equip women everywhere with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health.
The Pink Luminous Breast isn’t just a device; it’s a window into your body. It reveals your vascularity, allowing you to identify irregularities and seek medical attention promptly. In a world where most women don’t perform regular breast self-examinations, this tool can be life changing.
Join me on this mission. Download our free Breast Awareness app, consider purchasing the device when it becomes available in your region, and spread the word about the importance of breast awareness. Together, we can empower women to take control of their health and create a future where early detection saves lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, my journey has been paved with challenges and triumphs, and three key qualities have been instrumental:
1. Resilience: This is the bedrock of everything I do. You can’t knock on a thousand doors without learning to bounce back from rejection. If you’re passionate about something, fuel your resilience with that fire. Know that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, and remember, persistence is key.
2. Seize the Day, Every Day: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start now, give it your all, and constantly strive to be better. Visualize your goals and share them with those who believe in you. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who will walk alongside you on your journey.
3. You Are Your Own Best Teacher: Curiosity is your greatest asset. Dive into the world of information, research relentlessly, and become your own advocate for learning. Ask questions, reach out to experts, and build a community of knowledge-sharing peers. Never underestimate the power of self-education and continuous improvement.
For those starting their own journey, remember:
Start with your peers. Build a network of people in your field who share your passion and can offer support and guidance.
Take action, every day. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Start small, but start now, and keep moving forward.
Embrace self-learning. Curiosity is your key to success. Take advantage of the abundance of information available and actively seek knowledge to fuel your journey.
These are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey itself. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and never stop reaching for your dreams. With resilience, persistence, and a thirst for knowledge, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We’re always looking for collaborators! Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, women’s empowerment, or simply making a positive impact, there’s a place for you with the Pink Luminous family. Here’s how you can get involved:
Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer: Support the Pink Luminous Advocacy Project our 501c3 foundation. Donations help us run medical missions in different parts of the world and make our educational app, available in multiple languages, even more accessible. Witnessing the impact on communities first hand leaves an undeniable mark, as I always say, “serving another human being changes you on a cellular level.” It’s powerful, and we can only do it together.
Invest in Change: We’re currently in a capital raise for Silk Pro USA, the for-profit company behind the Pink Luminous Breast. This ownership opportunity isn’t just about numbers; it’s about backing a technology that empowers women to take charge of their health.
Beyond Breast Cancer: Shape the Future of Early Detection with us. We’re building a revolutionary app that expands beyond breast cancer, providing information and education on various health screenings like colonoscopies and HPV vaccines. Help us create a tool that guides individuals towards proactive healthcare – it’s about prevention, education, and empowerment.
Ready to Connect? Reach out! Whether you’re interested in donating to the foundation, investing in Silk Pro USA, or joining our growing team, we’d love to hear from you. Every contribution, big or small, fuels our mission. Remember, together, we can create a future where early detection saves lives. Let’s make a difference, one collaboration at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinkluminousap.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkluminousadvocacyproject/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkluminousbreastofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marylin-dans-798127160/
