Inspiring Hope
Providing Financial Support to
Families Experiencing Cancer
Welcome to Marisa’s Mission: A Massachusetts Non-Profit Dedicated to Financially Supporting Families Experiencing Cancer
Inspired by Marisa D. Federico and the unwavering strength and eternal optimism she embodied throughout her life and her battle with cancer, Marisa’s Mission responds to the needs of individuals experiencing cancer by providing significant financial support. Marisa’s lasting impression inspired a movement to support patients and to ease their stress and financial burden so they can focus on what matters most: their health and family.
Overcoming
Financial Toxicity + Inspiring Hope
Patients often face Financial Toxicity, grappling with the heightened costs of medical treatments, co-pays, and the impact of lost income following a cancer diagnosis. By alleviating these burdens, Marisa's Mission empowers individuals to focus on healing, fostering resilience, and embracing a future filled with hope and possibility.
News
Thank you to local networks that help us raise awareness about Marisa's Mission so we can continue to grow the community of volunteers and donors who are making a positive impact for Massachusetts families struggling with a cancer diagnosis.
Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing cancer
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Glenn Preston
Read Glenn’s Story
Marisa’s Mission is proud to support Boston firefighter, Glenn Preston and his family with a Home Assistance Grant to relieve some financial stress as Glenn underwent aggressive treatment for B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and has had to take a leave of absence from his job.
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Melissa Clifford
READ MELISSA’S STORY
On the same day they were closing on the sale of their home, Melissa received the shocking news that she had breast cancer. Treatment began immediately and aggressively, and the plans for buying a new home got put on the back burner. Since then, Melissa has endured grueling chemotherapy treatments and surgery and has had to take a leave of absence from her job as a result. Thankfully, Melissa, Eric and their two small boys, Jacob (4) and Luke (2), have been able to stay with family until they figure out their next move. Marisa’s Mission was able to give Melissa and her family a wonderful memory to focus on—a trip to Disney World through our Trip/Event Grant!
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Luke Bradley
Read Luke’s Story
The Bradley family applied to Marisa's Mission after their household income was cut by 52% when their son, Luke (age 13), had relapsed for a second time in September with B-cell acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Luke's father resigned from his job to be Luke's full-time caregiver. With two other children to care for and the stress of paying the mortgage and bills, the Bradleys were having a difficult time making financial ends meet. Through our Home Assistance Grant, Marisa's Mission was able to cover these expenses for several months.
Grant Testimonials
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“When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer I was unprepared and in shock. I missed 4 months of work post surgery, during which on top of all of our living expenses we have to pay a ton of medical expenses. First we ran out of our savings, then we took money out from our 401k, then borrowed money from family, then eventually had to go back to work in pain just to make sure we covered our bills. Due to everything that is going on, i’m forced to pick up extra shifts which is unsustainable in my current state. I feel like i’m killing myself faster by being at work all day everyday, and am unable to spend what little time I have left with my family and friends”
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“I take great pride in my work, and being out of work at this point not providing for my family is very difficult for me. Being out of work and not being paid is becoming too much”
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“When I heard the words “you have an incurable, rare cancer” I felt powerless. I still feel the exact same way, now i just have one job- to get better. The only way I can think about doing that is one day at a time. Assistance from Marisa’s mission would help my family stay in our home and keep up with bills while I am focused on getting through treatment.”
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“As a single mother, I am the main provider of my family, and with this cancer, my daily routine has been put on hold along with my job and all of my kid’s activities. This process has taken a toll on me. As my cancer has progressed, it has become harder for me to get up and work to pay my rent, and bills, and support my kids. I try every day to be positive and look at the big picture, but sometimes it’s just too hard for me and for my kids to see all that I am going through”
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