2025 Recipients
Please scroll down to read all the stories of our amazing & inspiring recipients
Suzanne Marcus
Saugus, MA
My name is Suzanne. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer stage 3A in July 2024. But let’s back up: My husband was diagnosed with melanoma in 2016. It came back 2 more times, the last being leptomeningeal disease on August 5, 2023.
Seven weeks later he passed away… so I was left navigating life with our three-year-old twin daughters and our six-year-old son. Of course, I was under stress, grieving, and trying to figure out what was life was going to look like going forward. I had stopped working when the twins were 1 - twins daycare was so expensive. The plan was to start working again once they were in school. I started having irregular periods… (that I can remember) back in February or March 2024. I noted it, but went on with my life because I attributed it to stress, lifestyle changes and, given my age (44 at the time) perimenopause.
As the months went on it didn’t get better, only worse. By the time my yearly gynecology check up was scheduled, my periods continued to be heavier with no signs of letting up. I called my doctor the month before my annual and told her what was going on. I am grateful that they did not dismiss me and give me the reasons that I had already thought we’re going on. I was scheduled for an ultrasound, followed up by a biopsy which turned out to be cancerous. My care team moved very fast and by August I was scheduled for a full hysterectomy.
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Ladies - if something seems off - get it checked!!!
Tumors were going on both ovaries as well as the one in the endometrium and I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer stage 3A.
I underwent six rounds of chemotherapy three weeks apart. I was prescribed a cocktail of 2 different chemo drugs, and an immunotherapy (which was added afterwards). I think I fared pretty well overall - but the fatigue has been real! Between treatment and caring for 3 young kids it hasn’t been easy! I am thankful however, for my family and friends who have so been here to help me out on the really bad days.
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Needless to say I haven’t been able to return to work (yet). The chemo is over now. My last round was mid-January. I am scheduled for scans in early February and will continue getting the immunotherapy infusion every 6 weeks for a year. Throughout all of this I had some genetic testing done and it was found that I have Lynch Syndrome which makes me more susceptible to certain cancers. So while I should be free and clear from here on, I will have to follow up closely and that dread of ‘is it back’ will almost always cast a shadow.
I am so appreciative for this foundation and the hope and support it gives. Grateful to be able to share my story and hope that this gives someone else out there some hope!
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Suzanne Marcus
Eva Mahmuti
Weymouth, MA
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In this hardest time of my life your work is an inspiration. I am dealing with this horrible illness since 2016. It has been horrifying to me and I could not believe what and why was happening then and now. I am fighting as much as I can, and praying more than before. This illness impacts everything all the time, but I am learning from the fights of other courageous women and trying to be strong. I praise life, love, courage, dignity and pray that I will be strong. I have to be strong especially for my kids. They are so young and my duty as parent is to teach and protect so they become beautiful beings. This is the reason and motivation that is keeping me alive. My deepest gratitude for all of you beautiful ladies. May God Bless you and the work you do!
Nereida Gorenca
Beverly, MA
Hello, my name is Nereida G. I am 44 years old from Beverly, Massachusetts, I have been married for 18 years to my lovely husband, and I have two kids (15 and 7). I work for Beth Israel Lahey as a medical secretary. I want to take you through my journey of fighting stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer.
I initially noticed a small lump on the right side of my breast in July 2024. I didn't put any major thought into it, supposedly thinking it was an inflamed gland without any risk or harm to my health. It eventually started to enlarge in size and gave me internal pain under my armpit and spread.
In September of 2024, I went to my PCP to check the supposed gland, to which I got the heart-dropping news that I had been diagnosed with cancer. After a few weeks of doing blood work and check-ups, which thankfully came out to be in perfect condition, I was given the dates to start Chemotherapy. The goal was to finish Chemo within 6 months, which I thankfully was made realistic by the amazing doctors and nurses who took me in their hands.
Throughout taking Chemo, I had mild body aches and tiredness for a few days after treatment occurred, but thankfully, nothing more than those symptoms occurred. It was tough for me to initially handle as I had never been through such an experience throughout my life, but with the help of my loved ones, I got through it. After 6 months, I had concluded my treatments. It was one of the best times of my life as I passed something that I was scared of losing my life from. I took about a month break from the cancer treatments, and I went back to the doctors as they assigned me a date for the procedure to occur.
March rolled around, and the doctors said I was due for the procedure by mid-March, which didn't stress me out too much, as I kept having the mentality that I was only a few steps away from being cancer-free. After the procedure, I took a couple of days off work as I was sore and took some time to recover. The pain lasted for about two weeks after the procedure, but the pain encountered was bearable and could be resolved with Advil and Tylenol. After recovering for a few weeks after the procedure, the doctors left me the date when I was going to start Radiology. This was by far the easiest step I had throughout my cancer journey. Radiology lasted for about 5 weeks for me, and the symptoms consisted of minor discomfort at the affected area both other than that, thankfully, the symptoms were minimal.
I want to thank the Carin MacLean Foundation for all their financial support to me and my family, as it was really needed and you guys stepped up and supported us throughout these tough times, and it's truly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you so much for everything - Nereida and Family
Gina Joseph
Brockton, MA
Allison Spampinato
Cumberland, RI
My name is Allison Spampinato. I am forty-eight and have been married for 23 years. I am a mother of three incredible children, a 20-year-old daughter and two sons, aged fourteen & fifteen. They have given me the strength to keep moving forward with my journey as a woman battling stage 4 breast cancer, metastasized to the brain.
My journey began when I felt a lump in my right breast during a self-breast exam. Of course, it was benign. One month later, a diagnostic mammogram showed a 3.1cm mass. A biopsy was quick to follow and on 4/25/2022 I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. My treatment started immediately, and I had to leave my job as a registered nurse. I completed 6 months of chemotherapy and nine out of 12 months of immunotherapy. My immunotherapy had to be discontinued early because it caused Adrenal Insufficiency. To stay alive, I will be on steroids for life due to that condition.
In October 2022, I had breast surgery. After surgery I had one month of daily radiation to the right breast. Once all my treatments were completed, I was informed that I was NED, no evidence of disease. I was able to return to work and life was good again.
On 12/13/23, I had two seizures and I was rushed to the hospital. An MRI showed a 3.7cm brain tumor. One week later I had brain surgery, and the tumor was removed. Pathology confirmed the tumor was metastatic triple negative breast cancer. I had five rounds of radiation to the tumor location and will have to be on chemotherapy for life. I am no longer able to return to work as a registered nurse now that I am stage 4 and on chemotherapy again.
Cancer has changed my life forever and I am heartbroken because of it. I try to life the best life I can given my health status. My medications make me tired, and I have lost a lot of my strength. My financial status makes me worry every day, but I will continue to have hope and love in my heart. I will rally will all that I have to provide a good life for myself and my family.
Karen Botelho
Massachusetts
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Hi my name is Karen Botelho. I live in Massachusetts with my husband Steve and three children - Jared, Leiha and Adam. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer in September 2023. I later learned that it has spread to my abdomen. I started chemo on October 12th.
I remember the day so clearly, especially because while getting treatment I received a phone call that my Mom had been rushed to the hospital by ambulance. My Mom passed away 6 days later. The chemo had made me so sick that I could barely stand on my own and the trips to the hospital to see my Mom were excruciating. She was nonresponsive so we just tried to be there for one another and tell her how great a Mom she was.
I had surgery on January 22nd, 2024. I needed a radical hysterectomy and debulking, which also involved removing my gallbladder and appendix, followed by a HYPEC procedure. The HYPEC procedure involves filling my abdominal cavity with chemo while they have me opened up and then closing me and heating up the chemo. The chemo is then drained and my abdominal cavity was rinsed with a saline solution. I spent 3 days in the ICU and 7 days in the hospital in a regular room. I finished up with more chemo and was told that I was now considered cancer free.
I went for a routine CAT scan to see how things were going and in June 2024 was told that the cancer had returned. I started chemo in July 2024 and after 2 months was told that the tumor was gone. I continued with chemo until problems started to arise. Besides the usual side effects, now there were white cells in my urine so the chemo was cancelled until the next date. I received chemo until the next visit when they told me that there was too much protein in my urine and cancelled that treatment as well. Another treatment was cancelled because of protein in my urine and chemo was put on hold. I was not well in October, but things got worse in November.
I have had several problems arise that the doctors cannot explain. I have seen my primary dr., my gynecological oncologist, my oncologist, my gastroenterologist, and a colorectal surgeon. I have been to the outpatient 3 times since November 30th, I have had 5 CAT scans, I have had several blood and urine tests. I am now waiting for a colonoscopy and a biopsy of the fluid in my stomach both to be performed in the same week. I have a constant bad taste in my mouth which makes it hard to eat. I have constant pain in my stomach and lower back and other problems that are too numerous to mention.
I am so blessed to have my family which have all come together to take over all the household chores and try their best to do what they can for me. I am also so blessed to have come to be a part of the CMF Foundation. I don't know what I would do without people like you. Thank you so much for your generosity and help. God bless you and everyone else that has taken the time to tell their story. I pray for healing for us all.
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Thank you,
Karen Botelho
Elizabeth "Lee" Pflaumer
Kingston, MA
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Pflaumer and I am a single mother of four beautiful boys, all still in school. I have been battling breast cancer since February and out of work since March 10. I had a lumpectomy, resection and a double mastectomy. All of this has created an overwhelming financial and emotional burden for me as I am the only provider for my family. My ability to work in the near future has been compromised – I am so appreciative for the support of Carin MacLean Foundation during this difficult time.
Thank you!
Elizabeth “Lee” Pflaumer
Gina was born in November 1973, she is from a big family of 7 siblings, 6 sisters and one brother whom unfortunately passed away 2 years ago. Gina is married, living with her dedicated husband Ricardo and two fabulous sons, Ricardo Junior and Rick-Stephane Joseph. Gina has been living in the state of Massachusetts since 2010, right after the big earthquake that took place in Haiti. Gina came here in the USA to try to rebuild her life and tried to offer a better opportunity for her family.
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In 2018, Gina and her husband, both were fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship from southern New Hampshire University, were they both studied and graduated in Healthcare Management.
Gina used to work to Crown Uniform, a linen company located in Brockton, the same town we are currently living, but unfortunately it’s been two years now since Gina Joseph was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with stage 3. Since that horrible day, our family lives has been totally changed, not in a good way unfortunately. The household is always sad, no joy , no fun, it’s feels like life has stopped for us.
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Gina likes to cook, clean her home, takes care of her family and likes to welcome friends over to eat her delicious meals with her. Gina has a big heart, she loves people and like helping the best she can with her very limited means.
During this journey of cancer treatment, life is not the same at all, not only on her health but also financially. We are really struggling. The thing that keeps Gina going is her unshakable faith. This journey has brought her closer to God and developed a more deeper connection and relationship with our Lord. Every day, we pray and hope for the best outcome possible and we believe that God is always in control and that He can do everything, including restoring Gina’s health and destroy her tumor.
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We are very thankful and grateful for the noble and generous work that your foundation is doing in the community to help relieve some of the burden and financial stress that this horrible disease brings in our family's lives. Thank you again for everything and thank you for approving Gina’s application. All the best and God bless your foundation and all the people working and support the work you are doing.
Gina and family
Carlyne Louis
Stoughton, MA
My name is Carlyne Louis. I am 49 years old and have been happily married for 22 years. Over the years, our family has grown we now have four beautiful children. My husband and I have three sons, aged 19, 16, and 10, and a teenage daughter who is 15. My kids helped me when I needed it the most and stood by my side the whole time during my battle with Gastric Cancer.
Last year, my battle with cancer started in early April when I had bad chest pains for an entire week. April 25th, I went to work on my birthday, and I had really bad pains. I went to the hospital to get myself checked out, and they did multiple tests on me. They did an endoscopy and a bioscopy, and that's when I found out that I had stage four stomach cancer. I then started my chemotherapy treatment on June 6th. Time skip to December 18th, I had surgery to remove a large part of my stomach. This part of my life was really painful, and it took me a while to recover from the surgery, and I still am. But I am doing treatments still, and I’m feeling way better than I have since last year. Though cancer has taken a lot from me, I am thankful for my family and for them staying by my side during my treatments after my surgery. I am grateful for my friends and family taking me to my treatments. I feel blessed by all the love and support I get. I am thankful for this foundation, and I hope that my story reaches the right audience! I pray that God may watch over all of you on your journeys, and I hope you all get better!
Jackie Mertzig
Middletown, RI
In early November, my sister’s life—and our family’s—changed forever. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and tests revealed she carried the BRCA gene, a hereditary marker that had already touched others in our family. The news was devastating, but in true form, my sister met it with courage that left us all in awe.
Her battle began quickly. Two rounds of chemotherapy tested her strength, leaving her physically drained but never broken in spirit. Then came the decision no woman should ever have to make: a double mastectomy. She faced it with grace, determination, and even moments of humor, reminding us that her body may be altered, but her heart and soul remained unchanged. Radiation still lies ahead, but she walks toward it with the same unshakable faith she has carried her whole life.
My sister is no stranger to hardship. A single mother of four—three grown and one still at home—she has faced more losses than most could bear. Yet each trial has only made her stronger. Her five grandchildren light up her world, filling her with joy that no illness can steal.
Beyond her battle with cancer, she is a woman of deep passions. She loves cats, finds peace in writing and reading, and draws strength from her faith in God. Her favorite color, green, seems fitting—it represents growth, renewal, and life, all things she embodies.
Watching her fight has taught me that strength is not the absence of fear, but the will to keep moving despite it. My sister’s journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: cancer may have entered her life, but it will never define her. She is defined by her courage, her love, and the unbreakable spirit that continues to inspire everyone who knows her.
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- Lea
Amanda Read-Brewer
Bath, ME
I'm Amanda Read-Brewer, my story began when I was 28 years old. I was experiencing symptoms of more freelance in the bathroom and things didn't look right. I went to the doctors and as most we went through a time period where I changed my diet to see if that was the issue. After a few months and pushing the doctors explaining that wasn't the issue, I finally had a colonoscapy at 29.
They doctors believed they wouldn't find anything, but sadly they did. A week later I saw a specialist and after a few months of appointments, I began chemo treatment. I did 8 rounds of chemo and then after a short break did chemo and radiation for 6 weeks. After radiation, I had a few months break for things to clear from my system before surgery. I underwent my first big surgery and it was successful. After healing I went back to reverse the ileostomy. I had gotten through my first surgery. I went through all this while still working what I could as I have a very energetic little girl who at the time was 5. Now she is 7 almost 8 and sees her mom struggling once more. During treatment she stays with her dad as I don't want her to see me so down for the count. When I'm unhooked and on the mend, she is with me and gets to see the stronger side as I regain the energy to spend time with her.
This summer has been rough as I have been undergoing treatment after being re-diagnosed and in 2 locations. Categorizing me at Stage 4, although I have very good odds still of making a good recovery. It is still a long road ahead of me. My full body treatments have been a challenge this summer as I have been out of work. My body has been week and tired. I have had allergic reactions to one of my pre-meds, sending me to the ER a few times and even having my first epipen shot. But I keep fighting for my daughter. I'm about to finish my 6th chemo and have a break before my next major surgery in October, sadly just before my daughter's birthday. My chemo this time around has taken a lot out of me, including a little of my self confidence - my hair has thinned a lot and my appetite dramatically changed as my taste buds didn't like much. I stay optimistic, though again for my daughter and family and friends. I never expected to be going through cancer at my age 32 let alone twice in less than 3 years. I appreciate organizations and support as they help people who struggle and battle. As someone who normally hates asking for help, this journey has been one that has opened my eyes as we all have struggles and help comes in many ways. Thank you to all who help and support, it means a lot to those of us battling and bring hope back!