Our Impact

"Our Impact" represents the meaningful difference North of Boston Cancer Resource has made in the lives of individuals and families affected by cancer. Through compassionate support services, resources, and community connections, we are committed to easing the burden of cancer treatment and recovery.
Hear the stories of those who have benefitted from our services. These survivors' journeys reflect the positive impact of our mission to help people live stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling lives after cancer.

 

Peter’s Story

Lisa’s Story

 
 
 

At 47, my world turned upside down with a diagnosis of stage three breast cancer, just four months after a clear mammogram. With two teenagers to raise and an unsupportive partner, I had to lean on my community like never before. In doing so, I discovered North of Boston Cancer Resources (NBCR), a beacon of hope that connected me with Erin Hanson—a gifted healer who has since become a dear friend.

Erin’s therapeutic lymphatic drainage massages have been a vital part of my journey. After having all the lymph nodes on my left side removed and choosing a double mastectomy with a flat closure, the holistic support she provided felt like a lifeline. Her compassionate, down-to-earth demeanor eased my discomfort, allowing me to feel more at ease with my new body. I am convinced her work has been crucial for my healing, not only physically but also emotionally.

I am profoundly grateful for NBCR and their unwavering commitment to helping people like me. This ever-growing community continues to support so many of us with kindness, resources, and hope. To anyone navigating this path or standing by a loved one through it, I hope you find support, compassion, and healing as I did.
- Jennifer LeDuc

No one can truly prepare you for the emotional shock of a cancer diagnosis. No matter how many people you have known with cancer, your story is entirely your own. In the spring of 2025, I went to my annual screening mammogram just like I was making a quick run to the grocery store — it had been an important, regular item on my checklist for 15 years. The months that followed were a whirlwind of imaging, biopsies, a bilateral mastectomy and radiation. While the medical professionals were amazing, I was consumed by waves of shock, grief and unease. I needed a different kind of support. That is when I found the North of Boston Cancer Resource (NBCR) community, and I could finally breathe a little easier.

While healing from treatment, I immersed myself in the NBCR community. I watched their Speaker Series videos, read everything on the website, and connected with remote programming through the Dempsey Center. I saw examples of others who had walked this cancer journey and were thriving, and their stories gave me immense hope when I was feeling discouraged. The in-person access to healing and supportive therapies was only available to me because of the NBCR. The Reiki, Oncology Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage I received through generous gift certificates were the only way I could access this crucial complementary care that helped me look after my whole self. The monthly healing circle, “Honoring Your Body & Spirit” with Arleen Damon, touched my spirit through her care and the strength of the circle of survivors. NBCR is a lifeline for me right now while I remain in treatment. I am deeply grateful for this organization, and the hope it has provided makes me look forward to the day I can pay it forward.

-Melissa Martin

 

I feel my story starts like most cancer patients. That moment when your doctor tells you that you have cancer. I don't remember anything else  they said that day. Time seemed to slow down and I felt like I was going to be sick. I remember asking the doctor to please stop talking and saying I need to leave. I barely held it together before breaking down in my car.

 After that everything changed.

My life was constant doctors appointments, tests, operations and chemo treatments. In the beginning i tried to work and pretend things were normal but they weren't. I constantly thought about it, my life and my mortality. The operations and chemo took a heavy toll on my body, leaving lasting side effects. I felt tired and run down all the time. I couldn't work like i use to but the bills kept coming in. Thats the thing with cancer, it's not just medical it's a mental and financial burden as well.

At this point I am 1 year cancer free after a stage 4 diagnosis. I feel like I am one of the lucky ones but my story isn't over. I'm still recovering. My body still aches, I'm still recovering financially and the thought of the cancer coming back never seems to go away.

During my cancer treatments I was really into self-care and eating right. Not only to help with my recovery but to do everything I could to keep the cancer from coming back. I was paying for everything out of pocket in the beginning and it was getting to the point where I couldn't afford to keep doing it.

That's when an oncology therapist told me about the North of Boston Cancer Resource. It hard to put in words how helpful they have been. They really are a beacon of light during a very dark time. I only use a small portion of the resources they offer but the difference it's made in my life is giant!
- Christopher Tatoyian 

I am a woman in my 60’s who has taken care to live a healthy and happy lifestyle my entire life. So what a shock to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in my mid-60’s! Hearing those three words – “you have cancer” – is something everyone dreads that forever changes a person’s direction in life. You will never be the same. I consider myself extremely fortunate as I experienced surgery but not chemotherapy or radiation. However, an amputation of any body part is horrific and takes enormous strength and support to overcome the direction of sadness and fear that is understandable for anyone going through this unexpected journey.

When I discovered the North of Boston Cancer Resource, I was met with warm support, understanding and care, and it truly has allowed me to forge this difficult path with strength and determination. The volunteers at NBCR have also taught my husband and other family members how to navigate the sadness that they were experiencing, giving them tools to help me regain true health. The practitioners I have met through NBCR have offered me support in learning how to stay healthy and I believe I have regained good physical, emotional, and spiritual health because of the programs at NBCR.

Navigating a cancer journey is lifelong. Although I have a large family, it is impossible for them to fully understand what it feels like to face serious illness, as well as the physical and emotional trauma of living without a breast. But I have benefited enormously from the holistic practices I have experienced thanks to NBCR – massage, lymphatic drainage, nutritional understanding, support groups, Reiki. I am forever grateful.
- Terri Olvera

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in July of 2022.
As you can imagine it was a frightening diagnosis and I found out I would need chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.

Chemotherapy was the absolutely worst of it for me. After every treatment I had extreme weakness in my legs couldn’t walk for 5 to 20 days. I was also dealing with nausea, hives, constipation and absolutely no energy.

When I found NBCR I was able to have oncology massage and acupuncture which have been imperative in my recovery. I had weekly acupuncture treatments with Sophie Barkan who is an angel.  She helped me with a lot of the side effects that came with chemo.

I still see Sophie to maintain my health - not weekly but monthly. As a small business owner, I would not be able to do that without the help of NBCR.

From the bottom of my heart
Thank you for all you do.
- Sabrina Silva

 

Your generosity helps us continue this vital work. By donating today, you can ensure that more individuals and families have access to the support they need during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us make a lasting impact. Click below to make a donation and be part of our mission to bring hope and healing to our community.