Our Story
In late 2014, two friends had a life experience that was unexpected and difficult – Gwen was diagnosed with breast cancer and Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer – coincidentally at the same time!
Two Friends on a Mission
One evening, while we were both still healing and recovering, we met for a night out. While sharing our experiences from getting the diagnosis to bouncing back and everything in between, we realized we were grateful to be on the other side of procedures and treatments but also acknowledged some of the challenges we faced.
We know we aren’t the only ones who have had to navigate some of the difficulties that occur while dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatments. Many other people will be facing cancer as well. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 2 million Americans will be diagnosed in 2026, with 43,000 in Massachusetts. And they too will have to deal with the emotional, physical and logistical hardships that we experienced.
A simple thing like sweeping the floor becomes impossible after having surgery. Recovery requires time off from work, but the utility bill still comes each month. And sometimes it would be great to not think about having cancer for a short time, so a movie or show is just the right medicine for that.
We wanted to help ease a little bit of the burdens of others also dealing with cancer. We really wanted to do something! And so, that evening, Grateful Friends was born.
“I would just like to thank Grateful Friends for the generous gift that helped me in my time of hardship. It is so nice to know there is a foundation to assist cancer patients.”
J.J. | Essex County
