Sisters Honoring their Mother through Cancer Prevention Event

In October of 2015 Maureen DiBenedetto was diagnosed with breast cancer. Maureen was a wife and mother to two adult daughters with no genetic history. According to her daughters she showed a courage that was fierce and inspirational. She never once dwelled on the diagnosis but embraced every blessing that she had. In April of 2016 the family celebrated with balloons, cupcakes, signs and special t-shirts on her last day of chemo. Maureen had a summer of radiation treatments to follow but the hardest battle was over... or so they thought.

For two years Maureen was in remission. She returned to her job at the bank, where she had worked for over 30 years. She spent summers at the beach and her spare time was always spent shopping. She cherished her family and would do anything to help a friend. Family and friends were heartbroken to learn two years later that the breast cancer had returned and had spread to her brain. She was immediately scheduled for brain surgery. The surgery was deemed successful and the family was told her margins were clear. A few months later they learned that the cancer had spread to her spine.

The family was given a timeline and Maureen was admitted to a hospice home but never once did they give up hope and she never gave up fighting. Maureen lost her battle with cancer on July 9th, 2018 at the age of 56.

Gina and Danielle DiBenedetto shared the story of their mother after participating in one of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s (MBCC) fundraising events. “We chose to share the story of our family’s journey to inspire people to join the fight toward breast cancer prevention,” said the sisters. “We don’t want families to have to endure this diagnosis and the pain of losing a mother or a sister or a daughter or anyone that they love. We want to live in a world without cancer.”

On June 15th MBCC, which is the state’s leading breast cancer organization focused on prevention, will host their annual Against the Tide event at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park and on August 17th at DCR’s Nickerson State Park. These family-friendly and inspirational events bring people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. The event offers participants of all ages the choice of up to four of the following components: competitive and recreational 1-mile swims, recreational ½-mile swim, 5K and 10K runs, 3-mile walk, 2-mile recreational kayak, and ½-mile paddleboard. The event also offers an Aquathon component, consisting of the competitive 1-mile swim immediately followed by the 5K or 10K run. New to the Hopkinton event this year is a beach kids fun run! Prizes will be awarded to the top age group finishers, podium finishers, and top fundraisers.

MBCC is inviting people throughout Massachusetts to register for the event at www.mbcc.org/swim or by calling 1-800-649-MBCC (6222). Those who cannot attend are encouraged to make a pledge to an individual or a team. Registration is $40 per adult per event activity ($80 for Aquathon) and $25 per student per event activity ($50 for Aquathon) up to a maximum of four events. Participants under the age of 10 are free. We encourage all participants to fundraise beyond the registration minimum, as all proceeds support Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition.