GivingTuesday Spotlight: Marissa Kassam of the Moez and Marissa Kassam Equity Fund and Her Commitment to Women’s College Hospital
At Women’s College Hospital Foundation, we are continually moved by the people who stand with us: community builders, advocates and donors who give not only their resources, but their time, their heart and their personal stories. This GivingTuesday, we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of those leaders: Marissa Kassam.
A Personal Mission to Support Women’s Health
Recently, we met with Marissa and fellow supporters Stacey Kline and Lauren Levy to learn what fuels their commitment to Women’s College Hospital. In October, Marissa opened her home to host a powerful fundraising breakfast in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Together, the trio gathered friends, family, Women’s College Hospital experts and community members for a morning dedicated to hope, education and action.
For Stacey and Lauren, the cause is profoundly personal. Both women are carriers of the BRCA gene, a genetic mutation first discovered at Women’s College Hospital that significantly increases the risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Their lived experiences underscore the importance of early detection, access to expert care and continued investment in lifesaving research.
Inspired to Do More
After sitting down with Women’s College Hospital Foundation President & CEO, Sandra Sualim, Marissa left feeling energized and determined to contribute even more. Immediately, she reached out to Stacey and Lauren, two of the most generous, community-minded people she knows, and invited them to join her in amplifying this work.
What followed was an event filled with purpose. By bringing people together and creating a space for conversation, Marissa, Stacey and Lauren helped illuminate the groundbreaking cancer research and patient-centered care happening every day at Women’s College Hospital. Their leadership raised vital funds and sparked meaningful discussions about screening, prevention and the future of women’s health.
“Giving back is the best feeling in the world.”
As co-founder of the Moez and Marissa Kassam Equity Fund, Marissa is a passionate philanthropic leader advancing causes including nutrition, healthcare, housing and sport. She believes deeply that “to give is to get in life,” and that supporting Women’s College Hospital is one of the most impactful ways to improve the health of women and gender-diverse people.
Women’s College Hospital is transforming healthcare, by breaking barriers to access, driving research that changes lives, and designing care that recognizes and responds to women’s unique health needs. For Marissa, giving is a way to ensure that every woman receives exceptional, compassionate and innovative care when she needs it most.
Join Marissa in Supporting Women’s Health This GivingTuesday
Feeling inspired by Marissa’s story? This GivingTuesday is the perfect opportunity to stand with her, and with thousands of others in advancing equitable, life-changing care at Women’s College Hospital.
Make your GivingTuesday gift today and help create healthier futures for all. Donate here.
