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.

 

Our Affiliate:

We are proud to be an Official Event of

Who we are - 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 our Affiliate's net income stays 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, we have funded over two million in breast cancer research and education awareness grants in Massachusetts.

Who we are - the Coordinating Committee for the ride

Lysa Wilkins

Lysa Wilkins has been riding since the age of 5. Horses have always been an important part of her life. Lysa is on the Coordinating Committee for the CT Ride for the Cure®, and is thrilled to be a founding member of the MA Ride for the Cure®! 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 many 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 Cure®!

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!

 

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.

 

Andrea Berberian

Andrea Berberian has been riding since the tender age of 5. Her background is hunter/jumpers, dressage, driving and foxhunting. She is a professional pet sitter and an avid outdoors woman. Being a part of The Ride for the Cure® has enabled Andrea to incorporate her love of horses, the outdoors, and deep concern for women's issues into one exciting event! She currently lives in Marlborough, MA with her husband and their 10 animals. 

 

Amanda Young

Amanda'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!

Rebecca Nowak

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 Cure® 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.

 

Sara Vincent

Sara Vincent’s love of horses was instilled in her by her mother and aunt before she was old enough to walk.  Growing up Sara took lessons on and off and purchased her horse Oliver early in 2007.  Through her new network of horse friends Sara learned about Ride for a Cure® and was eager to help out.  As a Banker for Citizens Bank Massachusetts for six years, Sara believes that through individuals she comes in contact with everyday she can use her love of horses to make a difference and Ride for a Cure®!

 

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.