ABOUT US
OUR MISSION:
To seek a cure for breast cancer through heightened public
awareness and support of foundations dedicated to the
research, treatment and education necessary to confront
this terrible disease of women.
ABOUT SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE®, MASSACHUSETTS
Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Susan died of the disease at age 36 in 1980. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement.
Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find cures. Komen for the Cure is the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
The Massachusetts Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® was established in 2001 as its own non-profit entity. The Massachusetts Affiliate sponsors various fundraising events and is a valuable resource for information and education programs on breast cancer health throughout Massachusetts.
Up to 75 percent of the Affiliate's net income stays right here in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects. The remaining net income supports the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Award and Research Grant Programs, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.
To date, the MA Affiliate of Susan G Komen® has funded over two million in breast cancer research and education awareness grants in Massachusetts.
WHO WE ARE: THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE RIDE
01-lysa-wilkins Lysa Wilkins
Lysa Wilkins has been riding since the age of 4. Horses have always been an important part of her life. Lysa is thrilled to be a founding member of the MA Ride for the Ribbon®! This fundraiser combines her passion for horses with a cause that is very close to her own heart, Breast Cancer. Lysa's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. There are countless others in her life whose lives have been touched and forever changed by this disease. Lysa is excited to bring her energy and commitment to the Massachusetts Ride for the Ribbon®!
02-alison-yama Alison Yama
Alison has been riding for about 26 years. She is experienced in eventing, equitation, hunters, dressage, driving and draft. Alison was inspired to help coordinate the MA Ride for a Cure® by a close family friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since riding in the CT Ride for Cure®, Alison has met many survivors that continue to reinforce the importance of a good attitude and a positive, generous outlook. Alison hopes to bring her experience as an MBA and marketing consultant to help build the MA ride into a successful fundraising event as well as help establish the ride in every state in the US!
03-christine-kurker Christine Kurker
Christine began riding as an adult. She has traveled to Ireland several times and participated in some challenging Cross Country Riding! Christine bought her first horse just 2 years ago. One of their first rides together was Quiet Corner's Ride for the Cure® in Pomfret CT, which proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Christine is thrilled to be a member of the Massachusetts ride committee and has been instrumental in pulling the ride together.
04-amanda_young Amanda Young
Amanda YoungAmanda's aunts and godmother had her on a horse just about the time she could walk. She grew up riding equitation and hunters. Amanda was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the MA National Guard's Ceremonial Unit's Mounted Platoon from 2005-2007. In that time she founded the Massachusetts Military Horse Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that uses horses to Honor Fallen Soldiers and Veterans. Today Amanda avidly enjoys hunter paces and looks forward to competing in USEA events in 2008. Amanda's experience with her non-profit organization and desire to help find a cure drew her to the CT Ride for the Cure®. When word spread about a MA Ride starting she couldn't wait to get involved!
05-rebecca-smith Rebecca Smith
Rebecca has been riding since the age of 10 when her Aunt bought her riding lessons for her birthday. This same Aunt also passed away in 2002 at the young age of 41 from breast cancer. Rebecca has found The Ride for the Ribbon® to be the best way to combine our love of horses and a way to raise awareness about something that affects us all. Rebecca currently resides in Springfield MA.
06-jessica-nowak Jessica Nowak
Jessica is a full time Business major at STCC with intentions to transfer to a specialized business school. Jessica lost her Aunt in 2002 at the young age of 41 from breast cancer. Joining the Ride for the Ribbon® has given Jessica a way to show her support in hopes of finding a cure for this life changing disease. Jessica currently resides in Springfield MA.
07-tricia-gelinas Tricia Gelinas, COTA
Tricia currently lives in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is the manager of a rehabilitation department in a nursing home and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.Tricia has encountered many patients who are currently receiving or have had to receive treatment for breast cancer. Her involvement in this event is in honor of her best friend who lost her aunt to breast cancer and for all women who are affected by this disease.
08-caryl-moore-leeds Caryl Moore Leeds
Caryl has always had a passion for animals, but horses are at the top of the list. Through the years, she has ridden in the hunter and remedial dressage disciplines but enjoys trail riding the best. In 2008, a childhood equestrian friend asked Caryl to make a donation towards her ride in the 1st Annual Ride for the Cure in Massachusetts. Instead, Caryl signed up for the ride herself and rode with her friend. She was honored with "Platinum Rider 2008" at the Ride for the Cure having raised the most money for the ride! Having several close friends and relatives who have had breast cancer, Caryl thought that the Mass Ride for the Ribbon® was the perfect venue to weave her passion together with a good cause and asked if she could join the committee for 2009.
09-joann-hayssen Joann Hayssen
Joann Hayssen is a wife, mom, retired attorney and the MA Ride for the Ribbon® Committee's very own breast cancer survivor. She currently runs her own jewelry design business, from which she donates jewelry and/or a portion of event profits to breast cancer related causes. Joann is also a Reiki Master and when she can carve out a chunk of time, gives Reiki to horses at local therapeutic riding programs.
10-michele-bigelow.jpg Michele Bigelow
Michele rode in the first Mass Ride for the Cure after her Aunt Doris passed away from breast cancer. It was a positive way for her to channel some grief. Michele has ridden in all three Mass rides achieving silver sponsorship each time. But it was time to do more. A long time friend was diagnosed and treated in the fall 2009 and her mom was diagnosed in January 2010. After talking with Lysa and Alison, Michele decided to join the Mass RFTC committee, so she could do more. Michele is happy to report that both her mom and friend were successfully treated and they are both cancer free!
