Donor Shout Out — #1

I wanted to give a huge shout out to everyone who has donated so far. We’re already 25% of the way to our goal, and there’s no way I could do this without you—not just because of your donations, but also your kind messages and words of encouragement. I appreciate you all more than I can say.

So far, 41 people have donated. I’m splitting them into a few posts so I can do each of you justice.

First up—and this will surprise no one…

Scott Wentzel. When I wrote my first post about running in memory of Becky and raising money for the Joslin, Scott was one of the first people I sent it to for feedback. I didn’t hear back right away—not because he hated it, but because he was knee-deep in a packing dilemma, leaving the country in a few hours. In true Scott fashion, though, he had already donated quietly and shared my fundraising page on Facebook before I had. I’ve known Scott since 5th grade. He, Becky, and I were inseparable—ride or die. Few people have made me laugh as much as Scott. We don’t talk every day, but if he needed me, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

Next up, Susannah—aka Suze in college. Suze and I met at Regis College, which feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. She’s an incredible teacher, a devoted mom to Reagan and Hunter, and an ovarian cancer survivor. Nothing takes this woman down. She’s a force of nature and a truly great human being.

Michelle Pietsch—“Peaches” only if you want a punch in the face. We met at Drift, where Michelle was a sales leader, and she’s one of the most talented I’ve ever met. She can motivate a team, coach new sellers, and present a business update like nobody’s business. Now she’s co-founder of Beacon GTM, building an empire while raising two lively, fun-loving boys who are the center of her world.

Julie Powers. Back in our Bishop Fenwick days, she was Julie Guptil. Julie has a superpower—she can make anything fun. We spent countless nights cruising along Lynn Beach or grabbing dinner at Bertucci’s. She’s a boy mom through and through, and Gordie and Teddie definitely hit the jackpot.

Helen Dinan. Another Regis friend, Helen is an incredible marathoner. On my best day, I’m crossing my fingers to be at her worst. She’s run countless marathons and is now training for the New York Marathon. Her watch is predicting a blazing 3:29 finish. Add in her killer three-point shot, and it’s almost unfair.

Ilene McDonald. One of the best editors in the biz and one of the sweetest people I know. We worked together at HCPro, where she patiently answered my very basic questions about ICD-9 and 10. She made my transition from college to professional life a whole lot easier. Ilene is the proud mom of two grown kids, Bethany and Kevin, and two beloved poodles. Big thanks to her and David for their generous support.

Kim Mercier—aka my mother-in-law. Kim is the yard sale queen. For over 30 years, she’s been up at dawn on weekends finding incredible deals (okay, steals). She can spot a real vs. faux Louis Vuitton from a mile away. In retirement, she’s turned her talent into a business, running her own booth—a cash machine, really. Watch for her on Shark Tank.

Janine Shappee. Janine is not only an incredible executive assistant at American Eagle, but also the talented owner of Top Knot salon in Braintree. I met her 13 years ago when she was assisting in a salon while building her client list. Since then, she’s worked her way up at American Eagle from store associate to store manager to corporate EA, all while becoming a salon owner. Smart, hardworking, and kind—I’m so glad I walked into that salon.

And last for today—but certainly not least—Pam Bailey. Pam is Becky’s younger sister, and I’ve known her since she was 12 or 13. I actually met her before Becky—she and my sister Kourtney played AAU basketball together. Those teams were like extended family. Pam grew up to follow in her dad’s footsteps, working in healthcare and caring for the tiniest, sickest babies in the NICU. She’s a caretaker through and through, and in Becky’s final days, she was right by her side, translating medical into human for the rest of us. When Becky and Pammy were together, two things were guaranteed: fun, and usually a little trouble.

There are so many more people to thank, but I’ll save them for the next post—otherwise, no one will make it to the end. If you haven’t seen your name yet, I promise you’re not forgotten. Be back soon with more donor shout outs, and again—thank you.