Friends of Mel Foundation, Inc.

Today, I am asking you to make a donation to the Friends of Mel Foundation.

When I started Friends of Mel in 2006, I envisioned an organization with a few volunteers and a small staff making tangible, life-impacting differences in the lives of families living with cancer.

It now humbles and amazes me that our extraordinary staff of two and our handful of tenacious volunteers have carried this grassroots movement far beyond being just about a bracelet to raise a few dollars. Friends of Mel has already given more than $2 million to support over 32 organizations that share our mission.

I believe in us. I believe that the money we have helped raise to underwrite cancer research, to deliver cancer education, and to provide all levels of patient support begins and ends with you. I know that your donation directly affects a patient and his or her family.

I am asking you to take your place among those who are not only driving to the cure, but who are making the journey a little more bearable to those along the way who live with cancer. The need looms greater than ever before. Together, we have the power to do extraordinary things.

I am not asking you to buy a bracelet today. With the greatest humility, I am asking you to send the largest donation you can. Imagine what we can accomplish together.

Please donate today. I ask that you forward this message to your family, friends, and colleagues.

Pauline Alighieri,
Founder and President
Friends of Mel Foundation

On Mother's Day, we began to post the story of Mel and her bracelets to the Facebook site. You can read the story in its entirety below. We hope you enjoy "meeting" Mel and learning more about her wonderful bracelets and incredible spirit.



Mel’s bracelet has never been just a bracelet, it has always meant much, much more to those who
knew her and the people whose lives have been touched by cancer. It has become a symbol of love for the most important people in our lives, and what better remembrance of Mother’s Day could there be?

Many of our supporters have asked about the origin of Mel’s bracelets. The story cannot be told without telling you a bit about Mel first. People who knew her speak of her as loving mother, an upbeat positive force, a woman who loved life and cared about people. Humor was her trademark. She managed to turn every crisis into an opportunity.

In 2000, Mel was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. At the time, she learned that the cancer had spread to 24 lymph nodes and her prognosis was not good. It was then that she began a five year journey that would test her to the core. She was an extraordinary woman who faced this challenge with dignity and quiet grace.

It was Mel's habit and pleasure to give little gifts to people she met while receiving chemotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. As a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, she had many colleagues who would bring her souvenirs from abroad, one of them being colorful bracelets from Istanbul. Mel delighted in giving them as gifts to the oncology nurses, fellow patients or whomever she wished!

Soon they became a colorful symbol of friendship among the staff and patients at Massachusetts General Hospital. Just wearing the bracelet became a “silent message” that your life had been touched by cancer somehow.

Sadly, Mel lost her battle almost five years to the day that she was diagnosed. But not before leaving her mark on every person who had the good fortune to cross her path. When you became a "Friend of Mel", you became a friend for life.


Shortly after Mel passed away, those who received the bracelets as gifts began wearing them in her honor. Others started asking how they could do the same. Everyone wanted a little piece of Mel! And so begins the story of Mel’s bracelets…

People who knew Mel wanted to honor the memory of her generous spirit and uplifting attitude throughout her treatment. The bracelet came to symbolize friendship and support. The word spread quickly and suddenly even people who had never met Mel wanted a bracelet!

Initially the goal was to raise $5,000 for cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital, a cause near and dear to Mel’s heart. The bracelets took on a life of their own and within a month, Mel’s friends had reached their goal.

In October 2005 – to meet the growing demand - friends of Mel flew to Istanbul, Turkey to arrange for additional shipments of the ever popular bracelet. They ordered 1,000 thinking that would last them for awhile. Before anyone expected, they were sold out again!

Within six months, Mel’s friends had raised $283,000 for cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital. It became apparent that they needed to establish their own non-profit organization. In July 2006, the Friends of Mel Foundation was born.

By the end of 2006, the Friends of Mel Foundation had donated $1,000,000 to Massachusetts General Hospital for cancer research. The organization began to explore even more ways to make a difference in the cancer world. They decided to expand their mission to include funding for education and patient support as well as research.

Supporters saw an opportunity to make a donation, receive a bracelet and at the same time, support a great cause. To date thousands of bracelets have been shipped to all fifty states and some international countries.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by cancer, please join our circle of friends. We invite you to visit our website at www.friendsofmel.org to learn more about what we do and how you can make a difference.

In 2008, the Friends of Mel Foundation helped support many events that benefited countless individuals. A few of these events included “Puttin’ on Pink”, Exceptional Women Awards, 2008 Gilda Radner Awards Dinner, The One Hundred, Knowledge, Strength and Grace – Third Annual Conference on Survivorship, Third Annual “Journey of Hope”, and the Conquer Cancer Day with the Boston Red Sox. For more information please view the descriptions of each event below.

Please continue to check this page for news on upcoming events!

“Puttin’ on Pink”
Boutique, Dinner and Fashion Show

Thursday, April 24, 6pm
Rachel's Lakeside Restaurant, Dartmouth, MA

Fashions provided by:
The Cottage
The Bay
Little Purls
Main Street Formals

Commentators:
Karen Adams, TV News Anchor on Eyewitness News WPRI/Fox Providence, RI
Peter Braley, host on WBSM AM 1420 in New Bedford, MA


Proceeds for this event were used to help purchase a digital mammography machine for St. Luke's Hospital. This digital technology strengthens the power and effectiveness of mammograms by increasing the ability to enhance the images, decreasing the need for retakes, and allowing for easy and quick transmission of images across the network.


Expectional Women Awards
May 16, 2008
Westin/Copley Place - 12 noon to 2:00pm

Hosted by Candy O'Terry and cohost, Gay Vernon

Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiatives.


2008 Gilda Radner Awards Dinner
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Boston Westin Waterfront
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Gilda Radner Awards Dinner recognizes amazing individuals who have demonstrated hope, courage and determination in the face of cancer; and who have been outstanding in their contributions to the lives of people affected by cancer.


The One Hundred
Thursday, June 5, 2008

Westin Copley Place

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center 's first annual One Hundred dinner. Proceeds from this new signature event supported The One Hundred Fund, which supports research and patient-care initiatives at the MGH Cancer Center.
The Friends of Mel Foundation was honored along with others who have made a significant contribution to advancing the fight against cancer and to providing effective, compassionate care.


Knowledge, Strength & Grace
Third Annual Conference on Survivorship

Sunday, June 8 - Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Lake Winnipesauke, New Hampshire

The annual Knowledge, Strength & Grace survivorship conference for women facing breast cancer expanded to a three-day retreat on Sandy Island, Lake Winnipesauke.


Third Annual "Journey of Hope"

Monday, June 16 - 6:00 p.m.
The Madonna Queen Shrine Hall
147 Gladstone Street, EastBoston

Each $30.00 donation includes an Italian buffet and entertainment

Proceeds benefited the Massachusetts General Hospital Family Cancer Center


Conquer Cancer Day
with The Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park

Saturday, August 2, 2008
Fenway Park - 7:05 p.m.
Conquer Cancer Day represents a partnership among The Wellness Community-Greater Boston, The Friends of Mel Foundation and the Boston Red Sox to enhance the awareness of the free support, education and stress management programs available to people with cancer and their loved ones.

The fourth annual Conquer Cancer Day was held at Fenway Park on Saturday, August 2nd as the Boston Red Sox host the Oakland Athletics. During the pre-game ceremonies, The Wellness Community conducted a home plate ceremony and a cancer survivor and/or caregiver sang the National Anthem and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.