June 7, 2002

Friends with Hope are friends in deed

For the second year, members of the "Friends with Hope" organization have donated money to support breast cancer research at the MGH. This year's gift is particularly meaningful for Janet Ballantine, one of the organization's founders.

Ballantine, a breast cancer survivor, started the organization in 2000 with fellow survivor Cheryl Cavallo to raise awareness about breast cancer. The two met in 1996 when they were both fighting the life-threatening disease. Cavallo lost the battle last November, however, when she died from complications.

Ballantine is determined to continue the group's mission in Cavallo's memory to educate women about the importance of early detection and to raise money for research. "I am so grateful to our friends and family, both Cheryl's and mine, who have volunteered their time to raise money for this important cause," says Ballantine.

Friends with Hope donated $40,000 to MGH breast cancer research this year. The group is planning a 5K walk June 23 in Pembroke Center at 9 am. For more information about Friends with Hope, call (781) 293-2019.

Cavallo, far left, and her family, with Ballantine, third from right, at last year's walk.