Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Richards
Dana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Dana Richards, also known as Malibu Dana, and the founder of The Butterfly Strong Foundation. I was just 35 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My journey took me to an unspeakably dark place, but I eventually found my way back to the light. Emerging from my struggle, I felt like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon, and I now claim the butterfly as my spirit animal. My butterfly wings are spreading as I continue on my path. It hasn’t always been easy, but I know my mission on this planet is to spread joy, hope, and to support breast cancer patients.
For over fifteen years I worked as a TV producer, and when cancer changed my life, I had to make the difficult decision to step away from that career. When that door closed, it opened the door for me to find a deeper purpose. In 2017, I launched Malibu Dana Activewear, donating a portion of proceeds to cancer-related charities and to local causes, first in Malibu and then in the South Bay community. This was my first step in giving back, and that commitment to philanthropy inspired my passion to manifest and launch The Butterfly Strong Foundation. It was my natural progression from survivor to butterfly. Through the new foundation, we advocate for early detection, fund innovative research, and offer compassionate care to breast cancer patients and survivors.
The Butterfly Effect teaches us that the flap of one delicate wing can set powerful forces in motion, creating ripples of change. Even the smallest acts can inspire waves of transformation. When faced with two choices, choose the one that challenges you most—it’s where true growth begins. Embrace the metamorphosis of a butterfly, knowing that being fearless isn’t the absence of fear but moving forward despite it. Be brave in the face of adversity, advocate for what you believe in, and inspire others wherever you can. The ripple effect is in all of us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road less traveled or new, is never smooth, but that is part of growing and maturing. Two years into my marriage, the unforeseen challenges of facing my mortality and the loss of fertility, taught me to embrace vulnerability. Enduring chemo, radiation, and treatment was deeply painful, testing my physical and emotional resilience as I fought to preserve my dignity.
I learned to lean on my husband and support system, and to eventually transform my pain into a mission to help uplift others. Building and establishing The Butterfly Strong Foundation has allowed me to dedicate myself to the breast cancer movement. Today, every butterfly we help and every life we touch reminds me that my darkest moments were not in vain. They became the cornerstone of a mission of hope, strength, and resilience.
The comeback can be stronger than the setback, and even the toughest challenges can be driving forces for growth and change. My hope is that my story inspires others to see their own obstacles as opportunities to make a difference and find hope. Together we can create powerful forces to create a tidal wave of change we want to see in the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Imagine a world without breast cancer but until we find a cure, be fearless. Butterfly Strong represents courage, hope, & resilience and taking any challenge or adversity and turning it into a strength.
The Butterfly Strong Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients through advocacy, awareness, and action. Our vision for the foundation is to ensure that every patient feels supported and empowered, advocating for early detection and working towards a cure.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It was through volunteer work that I began to heal, rediscover myself, and find my true calling. When you volunteer, you create indelible ripples. I have been fortunate to witness the ripple effect firsthand through my mentor and the inspiring people around me.
I first met my dear friend and mentor Suzanne Sharer while serving as an advisory board member for Walk With Sally, a local charity that provides mentorship for the children of families impacted by cancer. Our friendship grew through our passion for giving back as active volunteers for another worthy South Bay charity, Mychal’s Learning Place, which provides children and young adults the chance to find their purpose and shine their light.
Suzanne has been my chariot, championing me at every turn, and most recently helping me to steer the wings of The Butterfly Strong Foundation. Her love and faith in me as the founder have kept me fluttering strong. Last year she was The Angel Award recipient at the Mychal’s luncheon. I am humbled by the trust she has placed in me, and with all of her fundraising efforts and volunteer work, Suzanne is an angel among us. Through her example, I have learned that mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about humanity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to uplifting others. I carry that lesson with me in every interaction, hoping to pass on the same light to others that she shared with me. Mentors can change lives, and being a mentor means casting your stone, creating ripples, and nurturing a community where hope and resilience endure. We are fortunate when we find a mentor, and we can experience compassionate reward when given the chance to pay it forward, passing on the gifts of love and hope to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.butterflystrongfoundation.org/
- Instagram: @butterflystrongfoundation @malibudana
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1XGcAzBXoy/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://malibudana.me/
Image Credit:
Stacey Davis
Jenn Harrington
Stephanie Ramirez
Liz Reinhardt
