Tanya Pierre, of Millbury, Massachusetts, has just come through the most challenging year of her life. At 39, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer. Since then, she has undergone four surgeries at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Before retiring, Donald Openshaw, of East Brookfield, kept machinery running as a millwright. Today, at 77, he credits a skilled oncology team and a clinical trial with keeping him running strong after a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Feeling better than he imagined possible, Donald is deeply grateful for the doctors, researchers and donors whose dedication has given him more years—and more roller coaster rides—to enjoy.

In 2020, Marsha was diagnosed with lymphoma. Through months of grueling chemotherapy and with steadfast determination, she achieved remission. But just six months later, she faced another devastating diagnosis: leukemia. Despite a valiant fight, Marsha passed away in November 2022 at the age of 69, leaving behind her husband Neal, two children, and many family members and friends who continue to honor her memory.

For Fran Bassett of Leominster, Massachusetts, the UMass Cancer Walk is more than a community event—it’s personal. She and her family walk each year to support cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, research that helps make lifesaving expertise possible for patients like her husband Joe. 

“You are a light in the darkness that cancer casts upon this world,” said Amanda Normandin, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, to supporters of the UMass Cancer Walk. “Without your support, patients and families would lose hope. You make them feel worthy of life.”

When Kathleen Brothers, of Worcester, lines up for this year’s UMass Cancer Walk on Sept. 28 at Polar Park, she’ll be surrounded by the same faith, strength and determination that have carried her through not one, but two cancer diagnoses. 

Janeless Hernandez-Maysonet’s father died from colon cancer while she was serving as a Marine in Japan at the age of 19. His death was on her mind when she herself was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, in November 2024.