Supporting Local Survivors
We also strive to connect and provide support to those facing breast cancer diagnosis.
Having breast cancer is a complicated, wide-reaching, and often times isolating experience. We aim to connect those facing the disease, while also pulling together speakers and events to help women cope with the various elements of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
In pursuits of these goals, the organization will be putting on a series of empowering, unique community events.
We know that when we come together as a community, we can make a difference - and have some fun in the process!
Research
One of our goals is to provide resources to help fund breast cancer research, with the long term goals of contributing to improvements in disease detection, treatment, and ultimately survival rates among women in Maine, New England, and elsewhere.
Most of us know someone who has been touched by breast cancer, and we want to do all that we can to fund research that will save the lives of our mothers, sisters, friends, and other people affected by breast cancer in our lives.
Meet the Team
These are the individuals driving our mission and supporting vital breast cancer research through donations.
(Click on image to read their story.)
In 2013, Marisa was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, at the age of 28. Her own experience, as well as the experiences of friends she has made in the breast cancer community since her diagnosis, have made her realize the myriad of ways in which breast cancer affects women and the necessity of having a community to go to for support and information when dealing with the disease. In addition, having lost friends in the breast cancer community, including many younger women, Marisa cares
Dianna was diagnosed in 2023 at the age of 47 with stage 2 ER/PR+ breast cancer, ten years after her mother's breast cancer diagnosis. Dianna jumped into volunteering with the New England Breast Cancer Alliance community in the lead up to the 2024 Runway for Hope, in which she also modeled! She finds the common goal and vision empowering and helpful as she works hard to educate and advocate for herself and others throughout her breast cancer journey. Dianna lives in southern NH with her husba
Jen is a born and raised Mainer and a Global Treasury Professional based in Portland, Maine. In 2017, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. Jen is passionate about supporting all women with breast cancer, but particularly younger women. Too often young women with symptoms experience inaccurate or delayed diagnosis, as was the case with her. Her journey has brought her to this organization where she looks forward to giving back to the Breast Cancer Community. In her free time,
Steph has been an advocate and support in the breast cancer community, beginning with her early career in women's health medical devices. During that time, her sister-in-law and founder of NEBCA, Marisa, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her go through the horrors of treatment and recovery has inspired her to help lead NEBCA and its efforts. Steph currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and two cats. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, wood-oven
Kerra volunteered at Runway for Hope 2024 and was truly humbled by the women she watched on stage who demonstrated true confidence, courage, and perseverance. She was uplifted by the loving community that came out to support and cheer and she decided she wanted to be a larger part of such a wonderful organization. Kerra resides in Southern Maine with her boys and plethora of farm animals. She has been a secondary science teacher for 15 years, currently teaching middle school. At night, she enjo
Since her diagnosis, Susan has become increasingly involved with local nonprofits supporting the breast cancer survivor community in Maine. She was first introduced to NEBCA as an applicant to model in the first annual Runway for Hope show in 2023. Susan has participated in both the 2023 and 2024 Runway for Hope shows and in 2024 completed her first ever triathlon at the Tri for a Cure. Susan is married and has a 5 yr old daughter. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, swimming and baking.
Cassia discovered a lump in her right breast in October of 2021 at the age of 38. Originally thought to be a small lump, she had a lumpectomy in November of 2021. While having her tumor removed her surgeon discovered that her cancer was much bigger and she ended up having a double mastectomy right after Christmas. Cassia is registered in breast ultrasound which she believed was God's way of making sure she was informed and educated in breast cancer before her stage 4A ILC Hormone + Diagnosis.
Diagnosed at 33 with breast cancer, Ryann understands the challenges that come with a diagnosis at an early age. Research, fertility issues, prevention, and metastatic cancer are important causes that she will lobby for, and her experience in event planning will provide excellent opportunities for fundraising for these efforts. Plus, she puts together a mean charcuterie board and can network with anyone who loves cheese, wine, and dogs!
Knowing she could never repay friends and family for all the amazing support she received during that time, Michelle decided to start a small Breast Cancer Survivors group. They meet every few months to have dinner and talk about life with cancer. They also send out boxes of “comfy loot” to newly diagnosed breast cancer victims in hopes it makes their day a bit happier in darker times. Michelle is always looking for ways to help spread awareness, raise money for research, and to help others. S
A glamorous Queen of Hearts. Dozens of delicate red tissue-paper roses bloom across my black crinoline skirt — each one a symbol of resilience and renewal. My sequined red bustier shimmers with strength, edged in black playing cards that remind us life is a game of chance, but hope is always in our hand. I cannot go back to yesterday, for I was a different woman then.
