My family originated near Quincy in Boston and Brockton, and many of us are still scattered across the South Shore. I have not been touched personally by cancer but have seen the pain of it firsthand. 

I'd like to begin by mentioning someone we know who's currently living with thyroid cancer. He's made his career as a psychotherapist. My husband has known him 10 years. His prognosis is bleak and we'll be thinking about him and his family as we walk.

All my life I've been hearing boisterous tales about my grandfather. He died of skin cancer in 1974 at the age of 47. The stories told by my mother, uncles, and his best friend are still just as lively after thirty-five years!

The faithful, Catholic aunt, and mother of four I chose as my Confirmation sponsor contracted pancreatic cancer in 2003. She died the next year, also at 47. (But not without a tremendous fight!) 

My great uncle built a gas/service station business that lasted decades and even while he survived multiple heart attacks! He was brought back to life from one of them after speeding to a tow call! It was undetected lung cancer took him during his last heart attack in 2003. He was in his early 70's. 

My close friend's mother ran a church hall seven days a week. She didn't act a day older than thirty-five. At the young age of 59 she died because of brain cancer in 2005. 

The pain of loss has to be converted somehow and I'll gladly be a messenger for my loved ones who have lost. Here is a description of the Marie A. Curry Fund, where the funds will go:

The Marie A. Curry Fund

The Marie A. Curry Fund at Quincy Medical Center was established in 1995 to honor the life of Marie Curry, a South Shore resident who lost her battle with breast cancer.  The Fund was her family’s way of showing appreciation to Quincy Medical Center for the care that Mrs. Curry received while also making a personal effort to ensure that all women have access to high quality breast cancer screenings and services. 

The Fund was designed to underwrite critical mammography services and breast care serves at QMC to uninsured and under-insured South Shore women.  It ensures that uninsured and under-insured South Shore residents have access to vital mammography services and breast care serves, including screening mammography, as well as diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasonography, and breast biopsy services, as clinically indicated at QMC.

In 2005, the Fund was expanded to support prostate cancer screenings for uninsured and
underinsured men.

To learn more about the Marie A. Curry Fund at Quincy Medical Center, contact
617-376-5349.