Eight years ago, Maria Brady received unsettling news: The very active businesswoman who always prioritized healthy eating, regular exercise and positive thinking, had a rare type of blood cancer.

Immediately, the owner of Marakae Marketing in Pittsburgh (which celebrates 25 years in 2021) sprang into action, gathering around her a team of healthcare providers to help her on her journey. She’s now in remission, and she’s learned a lot about herself along the way, especially the importance of self-advocacy. She also launched the “I Chose Happy” inspirational website and product line last year to celebrate her company’s milestone anniversary and the completion of her treatment.

Podcast Chapters (Available Only on Desktop)
0:55 Brady’s recent health journey
3:20 Leading a team during uncertainty
5:00 The importance of self-advocacy
7:27 Cultivating a positive mindset
8:50 Important lessons from her experience

It would have been easy to let worry, anxiety and negativity get the better of her, but Brady was raised to have an optimistic mindset.

“Fortunately, I’ve always had a mindset of resiliency,” she says. “I credit my parents for that because they were two positive people. I realize not everyone is blessed with that.”

When she was in the beginning stages of beginning her treatment plan, she knew she had to speak up to express her wants and needs. She soon realized that making changes to her regimen was her prerogative. “Self-advocacy is so important,” says Brady. “[Physicians] are part of your team. You need to interview them. … What’s most important is the outcome for you and how you feel about that.”

“Have a voice. Share your feelings,” she says. “I can be an advocate for other people, but it took me a while to be that advocate for myself and it’s still a learning process.” – Maria Brady, Marakae Marketing

Brady was fortunate to have a supportive family and company team around her as she went through treatment, though she kept much of her journey private. Now that she’s in remission, she’s ready to share her experiences and important lessons she’s learned.

“Have a voice. Share your feelings,” she says. “I can be an advocate for other people, but it took me a while to be that advocate for myself and it’s still a learning process.”

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