Hope Begins Here

Recognizing that ovarian cancer patient may need a little extra help while undergoing treatment, the grant helps fund the Helping Hands program. The program provides meals to patients and their families while in treatment for Ovarian Cancer, with free healthy and easy to prepare meals.

Bridget witnessed firsthand the importance of a strong support system—both within her family and in the medical field. Her father’s recovery after thyroid cancer included physical therapy, and Bridget, too, has faced significant health challenges, undergoing four shoulder surgeries and extensive physical therapy. Inspired by the dedication of her father’s and her own physical therapists, Bridget has chosen to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Runway for Recovery provides families with a continuum of support along their journey with breast cancer. We create community by hosting events and providing services that create joy and inspire hope. With shared understanding we celebrate survivors, honor legacies, and fund families who have experienced loss.

Adriana’s story is one of hope and resilience. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer before Adriana was born and experienced a recurrence a year later. Despite being told she may never get pregnant, Adriana’s mother never gave up hope—and that hope was realized with Adriana’s birth. Through her mother, Adriana learned the importance of gratitude and the power of simple acts of kindness.

The Donald Perlman, MD Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Perlman by his wife Cynthia Perlman and family. The $5,000 scholarship was awarded in 2024 to Kaitlyn Pugh, a high school student from Saugus High School. She plans on attending Endicott College.

Lucille lost her mother to Gastric Stomach cancer at age 4. She said, “it has been the hardest thing I had to learn to live with; a piece of my identity, my role model missing from my life.”

“I was lucky enough to be able to attend this year’s 2024 ASTRO conference through a grant from Boston North Cancer Association. This year was particularly important that our radiation oncology team from Beth Israel Lahey Health attend this conference as we move forward with new technology and advanced practices within our radiation oncology departments. Thank you, Boston North Cancer Association, for this grant to allow me to learn about such studies and the positive outcomes these studies brought. I am so excited to bring all of this information back to my team and pass on all my findings.”

Ian’s journey has been deeply shaped by his family’s experiences with cancer. His mother has battled breast cancer three times—first diagnosed when he was in first grade and most recently during his senior year. Despite these challenges, Ian is grateful for the time he has spent supporting her, accompanying her to appointments, and, most of all, celebrating her victories over cancer. In addition to his mother’s diagnosis, his father has faced skin cancer, while both of his grandmothers have fought cancer.

Last year, Isabella’s father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer, and soon after developed lymphoma. It was difficult for her to watch her father lose his battle to cancer. Her dad was her best friend, and always her biggest fan, believing she could do anything. She says: ”I am forever grateful for everything he taught and did for me, and he forever lives in my heart”.

The grant funds Equine-Assisted Experiences (EAE) one-day retreats for cancer survivors using the power of horses to remind survivors of their own strength. The retreats are open to men and women who have, or had, a cancer diagnosis.