Maariana Vikse, a renowned opera singer, is developing an educational program for newly-diagnosed women to provide essential information and resources regarding their treatment options. The program will include peer-reviewed research, a cost/benefit calculator, and guidance on communicating effectively with doctors. Currently fundraising through a GoFundMe campaign, Vikse aims to inspire inner strength and perspective in women facing cancer.

1. Maariana Vikse | Empowering Other Women
Maariana Vikse is an famous opera singer is working to create an educational program that gives newly-
diagnosed women all the options and puts things in perspective. Instead of searching for information in
forums, they’ll be able to find the most vital peer-reviewed research all in one place, along with an easy-
to-use cost/benefit calculator that helps them evaluate how to proceed.
The program will also help women decipher what their doctor is saying, understand the side effects for
each treatment, and learn how to speak to their doctor about their options in a way that ensures the
most productive conversation possible.
Maariana is currently running a GoFundMe campaign for the project and hopes it will prompt doctors to
shift their overall approach to treatment.
A cancer journey gives a person two amazing gifts, says Maariana. “You are going to find inner strength
that you never knew you had, and that will translate into everything after your cancer journey. Nothing
will intimidate you.” You’ll also gain perspective on what really matters and who your real friends are,
she says. She is translating her own inner strength into creating change that transforms other women’s
lives—and the Removery is thrilled to have played a small role in that process.