Who We Are
Survivors by the Sea was founded in 2006 by 11 cancer patients and survivors in Winthrop, Massachusetts who recognized a need for deeper community support. What began as a small circle of strength has grown into a powerful network of over 230 members across New England and beyond.
Our mission is simple: to pay it forward. We support patients and their families through treatment with love, empathy, and lived experience. And when treatment ends, our support continues — helping survivors maintain their quality of life through friendship, wellness, and connection.
Our sailboat logo features multicolored ribbons, representing the many types of cancer faced by our members. The buoy serves as a symbol of safe passage, guiding us through the storm toward healing and hope.
Survivors by the Sea is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are 100% volunteer based with zero administrative overhead. That means 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting patients, survivors, and caregivers in tangible, meaningful ways.
Our very first get together!
The Founding "Mothers"
With Gratitude
Survivors by the Sea would not be here today without the unwavering support of our benefactor, the Marie C. Petrilli Foundation. In 2009, when Al Petrilli asked us, “What would you do if you had money?” — our future was set in motion. Al, your generosity, vision, and boundless heart have made every one of our programs possible. The bench has become our cornerstone, and your support has touched more lives than we can possibly count. Words will never be enough to express our gratitude.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, families, and businesses who continue to lift us up:
MWRA, Pat Costigan, and his crew — for welcoming us to Deer Island year after year with open arms and helping hands.
Elite Embroidery, Robin’s Nest, and Christopher’s Flowers — for your generosity and gifts that brighten our gatherings.
Kathleen Coffey (Be the Light Yoga), Georgeanne Coleman (In the Moment Yoga), and Andrea Chapman, our first personal trainer — for grounding us, inspiring us, and keeping us moving, body and spirit.
Richelle Flavin — for creating our cherished Dammit Dolls, and Patty & Allison Frasso — for lovingly continuing the tradition.
Michael Bacon & Tim Burger of Jangles — for creating our treasured empowerment jewelry.
Mai (Nguyen) of Star Nails — for hosting the most joyful holiday celebrations.
Our angel, Theresa Merlino (Winthrop Holistic Center) — for always taking such good care of us.
Honan Sign — for banners that still stand strong and for always answering the call.
Colleen Costa — for providing cleaning services to those in treatment when it’s needed most.
The Cimino family (Meat Market) and Marc Wallace (Winthrop Marketplace) — for stepping in on short notice to provide meals for members in treatment.
We are deeply grateful to the local businesses and organizations whose fundraisers, grants, and initiatives continue to sustain our work: Pleasant Park Yacht Club, RPM Fitness, Natalie Bayersdorfer and the Cal-Zone, East Boston Girls Softball, Oceanair, the Paulson family through Income Research & Management, Winthrop Police (especially Officer Sorrentino), and the Winthrop Middle School Student Council.
And to the Town of Winthrop — our tight-knit, nurturing community — thank you for being the home where Survivors by the Sea first began in 2006 with 11 local Winthropians, naturally “by the Sea.”
Together, you all make it possible for us to continue spreading hope, light, and love.