The One Hundred, a Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Initiative: 2016 Honoree
When first diagnosed with cancer, most people find themselves in unfamiliar and disorienting territory. It helps if someone can show you the ropes. Survivors by the Sea, a cancer support group on the North Shore of Massachusetts, donates customized Survivor Bags to recently diagnosed cancer patients. The tote bags are filled with items both comforting and useful during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. But, the group does not stop there.
Founded by 11 cancer survivors, Survivors by the Sea has grown to 160 members in New England and beyond. Membership is made up entirely of cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. They are led by President Linda Calla and receive support from the Marie C. Petrilli Foundation. The group’s goal is to “pay it forward” by assisting other patients, survivors and caregivers through treatment and on to life after treatment. The group plans dinners, nights out and other events that help members have fun. They also provide meals, drive people to appointments and make hospital visits.
The group’s logo includes a sail, which reflects the survivors’ many types of cancer, and a red buoy to guide them safely to the end of their journey. “There are many support groups for cancer patients, and all have an important purpose, but this group is no ordinary support group,” says Steven Isakoff, MD. “Over the past ten years, whenever I have had a patient who seemed to be having a hard time or in need of support, in addition to offering Mass General’s wonderful services, I have often called on the Survivors by the Sea. They have welcomed my patients, engaging them to join with other members to forget about their cancer for a while and know they are not alone.”
The One Hundred
Through the one hundred we celebrate hope, inspire action and can change how we fight cancer, together. Created and supported by the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, the one hundred is an awareness and fundraising initiative that celebrates hope in the cancer community. Each year, we honor 100 Everyday Amazing individuals and groups — caregivers, researchers, philanthropists, advocates and volunteers from around the globe — whose commitment to the fight against cancer inspires us all to take action.
Survivors by the Sea was selected as an honoree of the one hundred 2016! Below is a copy of the official letter we received from Mass General Cancer Center so you can read it and believe it with your own eyes! Honorees are selected through a public nomination process and celebrated at a spring gala in Boston.
