About Terri Brodeur
The foundation's name was chosen to honor a
remarkable woman named Terri Brodeur.
Terri Brodeur was born in New London, Connecticut at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
on April 14, 1964.
Terri was the second child of six born to Anthony (Tony) and Frances (Fran) Sottile of
Waterford Connecticut. In addition to raising six children, Tony and Fran were
employed as elementary school teachers in the Mystic school system and active
volunteers in a number of community and religious organizations including the Girl
Scouts of America and The Knights of Columbus.
Tony and Fran taught Terri the most important lessons she would ever learn - among
them, honesty, sincerity, respect for others and the importance of giving back. They also
instilled a strong work ethic, deep faith and a general love for life, particularly the
outdoors. These qualities which would define Terri throughout her life.
Her pleasant demeanor and steady work habits made Terri a perennial "teacher's pet" in
grade school right through High School where, in addition to her studies, Terri enjoyed
dance and band. She was a shy, quiet girl who wouldn't smile much (at least not 'til her
braces came off). Terri kept a few close friends during her teen years. Ever the optimist,
her senior quote in the Waterford High yearbook read, "When all else fails, smile."
Terri met her soul-mate and future spouse, Tim Brodeur, as a freshman at the University
of Connecticut where the two, inseparable most times, ultimately graduated with
business degrees in 1986. Jobs in the accounting and insurance industries led Tim and
Terri to move to the Hartford area where they also pursued graduate degrees and where
their first child, Ashley, was born in June of 1993.
An opportunity for Tim at Pfizer Research and Development Finance in Groton,
Connecticut combined with a second child, Melanie, born in April, 1995 led to the
decision to re-locate back to the shoreline area in Old Saybrook. Shortly after Melanie's
birth, Terri decided to take a "time-out" from her career to focus on her greatest pride,
her family, which a few years later (in March 1998) now included a son, Sean.
Arguably Terri's most important life-work would take place during the next five years
when, in addition to being the best Mom and wife imaginable, Terri was an active
volunteer in the elementary school system, local parish and Girl Scouts. Beyond the
obvious enthusiasm for her volunteer work, Terri's impossibly big blue eyes, dazzling
smile and open, genuine personality made her a magnet for friends and admirers
throughout the community. The most common observation being that, "Terri was truly
beautiful - inside and out."
So it was with great shock and sadness that family and friends received the news that
Terri had been diagnosed with Stage-IV breast cancer in July of 2003. These emotions
were matched only by the confusion of how this could happen to someone so young, so
vibrant, and so healthy. Someone with none of the "normal" health or lifestyle
contributing factors. Someone with no warning signs or family history of breast cancer.
Terri was 39.
Over the next two-plus years Terri waged a battle that, in the end, was defined not by
how the cancer impacted her physically but how she triumphed emotionally and
spiritually. Terri rarely got down and she never, ever gave up. Her hope. Her faith. Her
love for family, friends and community.
Terri left a legacy of courage and love that will never be forgotten by those fortunate
enough to know her …a beautiful woman inside and out. Smile.
In Memoriam: Norma Logan, 1958-2006
Founding President
Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation
New London - Norma Jean McPhail Logan, 48, wife of Michael Logan, died Thursday
evening, April 20, 2006, at their New London home after a three-year fight against breast
cancer.
She was born on April 15, 1958, in New London to Mary Mariani of Waterford and
Norman McPhail of Boca Raton, Fla.
Norma was working as Director for Research/Technology at Pfizer Inc. prior to her
death. Previously, she worked as a project manager for several breast cancer studies at
the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash., where she and her
husband lived for 10 years. While at Fred Hutchinson, Norma also managed a joint U.S.
- Russian study assessing risks and rates of thyroid cancer in residents surrounding the
Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident, leading her to travel extensively in Russia and
Europe. In Seattle, Norma became an accomplished, passionate ceramicist whose work
was shown and sold in the gallery at the ceramic icon, Pottery Northwest.
In the last year, Norma and Sandy Maniscalco founded the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer
Research Foundation, the goal of which is to dedicate 100 percent of gross fund-raising
proceeds to breast cancer research. Norma named the foundation after her friend, the
late and beautiful Terri Brodeur of Old Saybrook.
Norma also loved gardening, music, singing, dancing, traveling, interior design, and her
nieces and nephews. She gave generously of her spirit and heart to the world, which
amplified her grace and beauty.
A sister, Geralyn McPhail, of East Haddam, and a brother, Bert Bowden, of Port St.
Lucie, Fla., survive her, as well as an extended family that includes Andrea Bowden,
Susan Logan, Michael Garabedian, Steven and Jean Logan, Martha and Donald Logan,
and Nate and Patricia Belcher.
The family would like to express their love and appreciation to the doctors, especially
Richard M. Hellman, the staff, and her beloved oncology nurses at Oncology and
Hematology Associates of New London, who carried her life like a precious flame, for
their generosity of spirit, compassion, humor, and the great pool toys.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Research
Foundation at PO Box 785, New London CT 06320.
The Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home in New London is assisting the family.
Keeping Logan's Promise
Our organization's name was chosen to honor the beautiful life and fighting spirit of
Terri Brodeur, a mother of three young children and victim of breast cancer. Terri's
name is inextricably bound to that of Norma Logan, one of the founder's of the Terri
Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF). What was and is the Logan's Promise of the
title?
Norma named the Foundation after Terri because she felt that Terri represented the
most dreadful aspects of breast cancer etiology and diagnosis. Terri was diagnosed with
Stage IV breast cancer; there is no Stage V, thus Terri faced the worst odds possible.
While seemingly quite healthy until diagnosis, effective treatment options did not exist
to save Terri, and after a two-year battle she succumbed to the disease. Norma had
herself been diagnosed with breast cancer just prior to Terri. While she originally was
diagnosed at Stage II, a later metastasis spread to her liver and she succumbed to the
disease in April of 2006.
Norma's desire to establish a non-profit
organization was born of her frustration at
having raised money for non-profit breast
cancer organizations and participated in their
events only to later discover, after requesting a
disclosure of financials, that a large percent of
fundraising dollars were being diverted from
research to cover organizational overhead and
administrative costs. Her anger and knowledge
became a promise in two parts: 1). 100%
percent of every dollar raised by the TBBCF
would go directly to research and 2). The
Foundation would be financially transparent so
that all participants, from sponsors to
volunteers, could plainly see that the
organization was meeting its 100% target.
Between 2004 and 2005, Norma led a group of
walkers in raising $200,000 for a nationally recognized breast cancer event. She later
discovered that 40% of all the money her team raised went to overhead. Of the $200,000
raised by the group, $80,000 never made it to critical research programs. Norma felt, as a
fundraiser and breast cancer patient herself, that this was unacceptable. She decided
there had to be an organization that was more idealistically visionary with the gross
proceeds it accepted from fundraisers.
Many organizations raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. The pink
ribbons we see everywhere are evidence of their success. While monies directed towards
awareness are useful, they are also donations lost to research. These dollars will never
reach the scientists who are searching for the keys to unlock the mysteries of this
disease. Most fundraising organizations have overhead costs that divert even more
money from research. The National Institutes of Health and other government grant
agencies, over the last few years, have substantially reduced the amount of money
available to basic research scientists working on solutions to the problem of breast
cancer therapies and treatment options. It is crucial that private philanthropic
organizations fill the research dollar gap.
Thanks to Norma's amazing vision, the TBBCF is different. By working at a grass roots
level, with committed volunteers who have a proven track record in fundraising, and
with the support of key sponsors, we are keeping Norma's promise to devote 100% of
gross fundraising dollars directly to research and provide transparent fiscal evidence to
the 2006 donators to honor her and their commitment.
Terri and Norma became friends as a result of their shared illnesses and the fact Norma
also became a Stage IV breast cancer patient. On October 14, 2005, Norma wrote an
impassioned email letter to her band of committed walk volunteers from the previous
year. She had just returned from Terri Brodeur's calling hours in Old Saybrook. That
letter became the spiritual contract with the group who would become the foundation
leaders. TBBCF was born on that day.
We lost Norma on April 20, 2006, just six months after losing Terri, but not before
Norma had used every bit of energy she could muster to fight her disease and at the
same time create the reality of a new and functioning non-profit foundation. In this first
edition of our bi-annual newsletter we are pleased to be able to say we are keeping
Logan's Promise.
This first issue is filled with stories about our business experiences and fundraising
successes in 2006. But clearly, the biggest story for 2006 is that in a little over six months,
through the amazing efforts of a small band of volunteers, the generous support of local
sponsors, and the selfless commitment of Walk across Southeastern Connecticut walkers
and crew members, TBBCF was able to award $300,000 toward breast cancer research.
On January 5, 2007, The Board of Directors announced the names of the 2006 TBBCF
research grant recipients. They are:
Dr. Andrea Oliver - Surgical Oncologist at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute: Dr. Oliver
will be studying molecular pathways conferring Tamoxifin and Herceptin resistance to
metastatic cells. Her aspiration is to work in a multi discipline caregiver setting. The
SAC describe Dr. Oliver as vibrant and willing to participate in TBBCF activities.
Dr. Erica Mayer - Clinical Research Oncologist at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute: Dr.
Mayer will be studying the vascular injury and hypertensive liabilities of Avastin which
limit its therapeutic potential. Understanding this problem could improve treatment
regimes and ultimately outcomes as well. The SAC describe Dr. Mayer as brilliant and
driven. Regarding advocacy she says, "I let my research talk for me".
Dr. Samit Chaterjee - Molecular Cell Biologist at Cold Spring Harbor: Dr. Samit has
been studying the molecular determinants of cellular polarity. It is thought that
dysregulation in cell polarity may be a preamble to formation of early epithelial breast
malignancies. This is a great proposal being executed at Cold Spring Harbor. The SAC
describe Dr. Samit as someone who is quiet and reflective but who also enthusiastically
embraces the foundation and its work.
Each of the three researcher recipients has been awarded a grant in the amount of
$100,000. Good luck to them. Norma's, and our hopes and aspirations, are with them.
2006 Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut
The Faces & Places
click here to order DVD copy
On October 14, 2006, the Terri Brodeur Breast
Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) launched its
inaugural, annual Walk Across Southeastern
Connecticut, a daunting 26.2-mile walk (the
distance of a marathon) from Old Saybrook to
Waterford's Harkness Memorial State Park.
Walkers were required to raise a minimum of
$1,000, every penny of which was guaranteed
by the TBBCF's mission statement to be
directed toward breast cancer research. No
overhead or administrative costs would be
subtracted from the monies raised by walkers,
assuring them that the accompanying blisters
and soreness from the physical effort was
commensurate with the foundation's belief in
them and breast cancer research.
The walk is difficult; soliciting donations to raise $1,000 is not easy. It was designed by
the foundation leaders to be that way. Think of a woman suffering through the rigorous
physical effects of chemotherapy to treat her breast cancer. The Walk Across
Southeastern Connecticut was meant to metaphorically assume the difficulty of that
burden, within the framework of compassionate, supportive community, and for one
day to aim it at a brighter future where targeted therapies may alleviate chemotherapy's
side effects or make it unnecessary due to newer, advanced therapies.
After a brief opening ceremony, at which walkers heard heartfelt words from Melanie
and Ashley Brodeur, Terri Brodeur's daughters, Geralyn McPhail, sister to the late
founder Norma Logan, and breast cancer survivors Heather Roche, Michelle Miller,
Marcie Brensilver, Diane Anderson, and Maureen Spollen, 113 walkers took to the road
to complete the 26.2 mile walk. Along the route, walker monotony and sores were
lessened by greetings with Hawaiian music and leis, a Boy Scout troop, a 3-pan band,
guitarists, a pink ribbon made entirely of balloons, Halloween decorations, friendly fans
handing out candy, celebratory fire engine sirens from Waterford's Goshen fire station,
and a dedicated, large crew of volunteers who manned hydration, snack, and medical
pit stops along the entire walk route.
The last of the walkers reached the finish line at 3:45 pm. Closing ceremonies were
instructive, emotional, and festive. Tim Brodeur spoke passionately of the love for his
late wife, Terri Brodeur, the foundation's namesake. Mike Morin, TBBCF Scientific
Advisory Member and Vice President for a pharmaceutical research team focused on
anti-bacterial, immunology, and cancer treatment drug discovery, remembered his coworker and foundation founder Norma Logan and noted the reawakening of Norma's
vision through the generous efforts of walkers and volunteers alike. Foundation
President and co-founder Sandy Maniscalco spoke powerfully and emotionally of her
and Norma's thanks to the walkers for inaugurating the first annual Walk Across SE CT
so successfully and for making the TBBCF's vision a reality that will speak to the future.
A group of breast cancer survivors was acknowledged for their brave resistance to a
terrible disease, as bearers for the continuation of life beyond breast cancer, a goal which
research-driven fundraising continually strives to extend and improve. A slide show
also highlighted the day's events. The Walk raised an astonishing $230,000 for a first
time event.
Organizing, promoting, and operating a large event like the Walk could not have been
accomplished without the help and efforts of local corporate sponsors, the participants,
and a horde of volunteers who sacrificed large amounts of personal time to produce a
magnificent event. It is mainly through their and your efforts that the TBBCF will be able
to significantly fund breast cancer researchers within the first year of operation and in
the years ahead.
The TBBCF is in the process of surveying participants and volunteers to assess the
efficacy and organizational strategies used during the 2006 walk. Thank you to all who
completed the survey, your comments will help guide our improvements for the 2007
walk. For instance, next year a shuttle service will be made available to allow walkers to
return to the point of the walks origination. The Foundation is also in the process of
updating and improving the TBBCF website to make the donation, volunteer
opportunity, and walk registration processes more user friendly.
The Foundation and Walk co-chairs hope to see you all at next year's walk, which is
scheduled for October 6, 2007. Please feel free to bring a friend!
What People Have To Say About The Walk Across
SECT
Ann Baldelli, feature writer for The Day and Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut
walker, summed up her Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut experience by saying:
Next to the births of my two sons, completing the October 14 marathon was about the
best thing I ever did. It was exhilarating, spiritual, powerful, and proof that you can
push yourself to do things you never imagined possible.
Many walkers and crewmembers echoed Ann's sentiments at closing ceremonies and in
emails circulating around after the walk. We also received positive reactions from
walkers and crewmembers via a walk survey conducted post walk. The survey report
produced great feedback for the Foundation and the Walk Chairs.
If you were there, you saw it. A finish line where the last walker to the finish is cheered
as much as the first, in fact, maybe more. An event defined not by distance - though the
marathon distance was daunting enough for an inaugural breast cancer research
fundraiser - but a shared purpose to sacrifice a little piece of oneself to a greater cause. A
life-changing, life-affirming focus on imagining those who couldn't walk - the women
currently being treated for breast cancer - the survivors proudly reminding us, carrying
the torch of recognition between illness and rejuvenated health, along with volunteers
and the committed, who pushed their own physical limits to bring a cure closer to the
reality of a patient's sore muscles and aching spirits. It was the Terri Brodeur Breast
Cancer Foundation's Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut 2006.
Below are some wonderful
letters to the editor published in
the October 16, 2006 edition of
The Day. Our heartfelt thanks to
these walkers for their
wonderful letters. They say it
better than we can. Thank you.
To the Editor of The Day:
Saturday, Oct. 14, is a day I
won't ever forget. As a
participant of the inaugural Terri
Brodeur Breast Cancer
Foundation Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut, I can't say enough about all those
who were a part of making the walk an experience of a lifetime.
Walking 26.2 miles seems daunting, but each person who volunteered made it easy.
Their smiling faces, cheers and encouragement made each step easier. I will forever be
grateful for each walker.
From the time I hit the submit button on my participant form, to the final minute of the
closing ceremonies, I never felt alone in this journey. The participant support during the
training and fund-raising period was equally matched on the day of the event. Everyone
who took part should be proud.
I did not know Terri Brodeur or Norma McPhail Logan, but have no doubt they are
looking down and smiling upon each walker. Participants exemplify the words of
Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Krishna Wall, Waterford
To The Editor Of The Day:
Saturday, Oct. 14, I had the pleasure of walking in the first Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer
Foundation's marathon-length walk to raise money for breast-cancer research. The
foundation is a local organization run by volunteers. I was very impressed with the
professional orchestration of the whole day.
I have participated in several 60-mile breast cancer
walks, in which event-management companies were
hired for the specific purpose of organizing and
running the walks. Saturday, the same level of
attention and detail to the running of the day and
care of the walkers was pulled off by a local group of
volunteers, at zero percent of the cost. Local sponsors
paid for the cost of putting on the event, allowing 100
percent of all funds collected by the walkers to
directly to research.
My hat is off to all who conceived of, organized and so successfully implemented the
marathon walk. My every want was taken care of along the route, from pit stops to food
and hydration, to a well-marked, beautiful route with great support along the way.
If the walk is offered again next year, I will definitely participate and I encourage
women and men of all walking skills to participate in this worthwhile cause and have a
wonderful experience along the way.
Deborah Mandel, Lyme
To the Editor of The Day:
On Saturday, Oct. 14, I participated in the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation's
inaugural walking marathon and I was just impressed by the sheer number of
volunteers who donated food, drinks and services to us along the 26.2-mile walk.
We started in Old Saybrook with a police escort. They had stations set up about every
three miles through Niantic and Waterford; bicyclists, patrol cars and vans monitored
our walk; and a podiatrist was also available. Lots of people cheered us on along the
route, including Boy Scout troops and Little League players who offered snacks to us.
Their encouragement and support all made our walk so much easier and I understand
that all 137 walkers, younger and older, finished it.
It is so heart-warming to know how many people braved that early, cold morning to
help us out, proving that so many do care about helping to find a breast-cancer cure in
memory of Terri Brodeur and others.
Jerry Guindon East Lyme
To the Editor of The Day:
On Saturday, Oct. 14, my wife and I walked 26.2 miles with about 160 other dedicated
walkers for the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. I'm sure all the walkers feel like
me when I say the marathon was a life-changing experience.
I want to salute all the wonderful people involved in this great fund-raising event. The
support team supplied us with every essential and just plain moral support. There were
people lined up throughout the walk cheering us on and smiling kids giving us stickers
with words such as "courage" or "strength" printed on them. Kudos to all of you for a job
well done.
I would like to acknowledge the
people who donated so
generously to this event. Over
$300,000 has been raised so far.
It's still possible to contribute
until the end of this year. Just
look on-line for the Terri
Brodeur Breast Cancer
Foundation. As Tim Brodeur
said at the closing ceremony
"Terri was a perfect wife" and
this is a perfect tribute to her
strength and fortitude. May the money provide a cure for breast cancer.
I am grateful to all the walkers, especially the ones I trained with. The Mystic Saturdaymorning walkers are a very special group of people. Cheers to all of them. Also, through
the actions of two very loving and caring people, Sandy and Phil Maniscalco, other
people learn how to give of themselves. Connecticut is a better place because of people
like them.
I'm grateful that my wife, Megan, asked me to participate. Through the many miles we
walked together, we were able to connect all over again. I am appreciative to her for this
affirmation of our love.
Wally Stone Waterford
Change your life; change someone else's life. Join us in
2007
Board Of Directors
NAME
TITLE
QUALIFICATIONS
Norma M. Logan (19582006)
Founding President
Former Director, Pfizer Global Research and
Development; Extensive project management
experience; Experience with fundraising campaigns
Sandy Maniscalco
President
Retired Director from Pfizer; Self-employed
business owner; Extensive project management
experience; Experience with managing major
fundraising campaigns
Howard Brensilver, MD
Vice President
Partner, Mystic Medical Group; Previous Board
experience; Active in local community; Experience
with fundraising campaigns
Mary Lenzen
Secretary
Retired Associate Director from Pfizer; Experience
managing major fundraising campaigns; Previous
Board experience
Stacey Gualtieri, CPA
Treasurer
CPA; Experience with non-profit organizations
Timothy Brodeur
Director
Senior Manager at Pfizer Global Research and
Development; Active in local community
John LaMattina, Ph.D
Director
President, of Pfizer Global Research and
Development; Previous Board experience; Active in
local community; Experience with fundraising
campaigns
Geralyn McPhail
Director
SBC Technician. Extensive customer service
experience; Experience raising funds for major
fundraising campaigns
Stephen Sheehan
Director
Attorney, Law office of Sheehan & Sheehan LLC;
Previous Board Experience; Active in local
community
Scientific Advisory Committee
NAME
AFFLIATION
Michael Garabedian, Ph.D.
New York University Medical Center
Susan Logan, Ph.D.
New York University Medical Center
Karen J. Ferrante, M.D.
VP, Pfizer Global Research & Development
Mike Morin
VP, Pfizer Global Research & Development
Nicholas Saccomano, Ph.D.
Chair
SVP, Pfizer Global Research & Development
Head, Research Technology
Howard Brensilver, M.D.
Partner, Mystic Medical Group
QUALIFICATIONS
See attached Bio
Foundation Leaders
Ann Baldelli, Lisa Bragaw, Marcie Brensilver, RN, Tim Howard Brensilver, MD,
Brodeur, Lisa Carroll, Irene Corsino, Stacey Gualtieri, Mary Lenzen, Becky Lillie, Norma
Logan (1958-2006), Jean Logan, Phil Maniscalco, Sandy Maniscalco, Jackie McCaffery,
Geralyn McPhail, Mary Miett, MD, Lisa Mongue, Pat Newborg, ,Barb O'Connell, Anne
Rochette, Lia Scarles, Michelle Sottile.
Foundation Collaborators
David Condon, Esq., Waller, Smith, and Palmer
Jennifer Crandall, Graphic Artist
Stacey Gualtieri, CPA, Doherty, Beals, and Banks
Stephen Lederer, Media Advisor
Carlin Swint, Web Design