Heather
Heather, a Nurse Practitioner, was diagnosed with Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer (MBC) in 2008. Heather founded the Hope and Friendship Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer Support Group in 2010. It is a caring, comfortable and confidential support group focused on meeting the special needs of women and men with MBC. Heather started the foundation in 2012 to enhance the lives of those living with MBC.
Brian
Brian is a high school principal. He is completing the Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. program at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Brian’s mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008 and passed away in 2009. For nearly 20 years, he and his mother volunteered at an overnight camp for individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. It was at this camp where he first met Heather and Tony. He has known Heather, Tony, and Kayla for nearly 30 years. Brian is honored to join the Hope and Friendship Metastatic Breast Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. He understands the importance of volunteering and helping those in need. He lives with his wife and two young children.
Kayla
Kayla is a Registered Nurse who holds Bachelor’s of Science degrees in both Nursing and Psychology. She is a survivor of bacterial meningitis and devotes time to raising awareness of the disease and the importance of vaccination. She is also the daughter of Heather and Tony. After experiencing the effects that Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) has had on her family, she joined the Board of Directors to help those with metastatic breast cancer live their lives comfortably and with purpose.
Charlie
Charlie works with a local non-profit that helps over 600 charities enter government-sponsored fundraising campaigns. Before entering the non-profit field, Charlie excelled in various management and sales endeavors for over 20 years. He became involved with the foundation after supporting his wife through Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer.
Tony
Tony is a Professional Engineer practicing in the environmental field. His wife, Heather, was diagnosed with Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer in 2008 and he joined the board of the foundation to support her and others living with MBC.
Kayla
Kayla has graduated from Suffolk University with a degree in business management, she will continue her education in the fall at Suffolk University in the Master’s in Healthcare Administration program. Kayla is working as a receptionist/administrative assistant in a physician’s office. Eventually she would like to pursue a career in health care management or possibly one of the many non-profit fields. Kayla wants to help the foundation to achieve its goals while getting valuable experience in the non-profit sector. She would also like to provide the support needed by so many with Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Ashley
Ashley works in real estate. Cancer has definitely played a role in Ashley’s life as she has a relative that is a breast cancer survivor. Ashley’s main reason for joining the board was to become an advocate for all those who have been affected by MBC and their families.
Lianne
Lianne has a background in case management with at-risk youth and social justice advocacy on the local, state, national and international levels. She works for one of the oldest and largest community action agencies in the nation with the mission of eradicating poverty. Lianne is pursuing graduate degrees in Public Administration and Political Science at Suffolk University. Her family was also touched by breast cancer and she is honored to support those diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in their journey. Lianne lives with her husband and young son.
Mary
Mary holds a degree in English from Framingham State University and is currently a Project Administrator for a Site Contracting company in Wilmington MA. Mary, a new member to the board, has been a friend of founder Heather (and her husband Tony) for many years and is eager to help wherever is needed. Mary knows many women and families that have been affected by Breast Cancer, and considers it a privilege to help out in any way she can. Mary and her husband live in Wilmington, MA, and have two grown children.
Marissa
Marissa is an ABA Teacher for children with Autism. She graduated from Worcester State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with the concentration of developmental processes and women’s studies. Her aunt, Heather, was diagnosed with Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer (MBC) and she joined the board to support her and others living with MBC.