10/24/2025
Maureen had always prided herself on living a healthy, active life, even participating in multiple marathons, including the 2019 NYC Marathon as part of Fred's Team.
But in August 2018, at just 34, everything changed. What seemed like a harmless lump quickly led to an ultrasound and mammogram, and within days, doctors confirmed the unthinkable: she had stage 2, HR-negative HER2-positive breast cancer.
She channeled her determination as a runner into her cancer journey.
Her care team included MSK breast medical oncologist Dr. Pamela Drullinsky, breast surgeon Dr. Virgilio Sacchini, radiation oncologist Dr. Beryl McCormick, and plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jonas Nelson.
“I feel that I received the best care possible and continue to be treated with care and respect,” Maureen says. As she and her team prepared for treatment, she learned she would lose her hair after the first round of chemotherapy.
“Being told that, in addition to all of that, I would lose all my hair after my first chemo infusion felt like a complete loss of control,” Maureen says. “Knowing my life was about to change drastically, the thought of not even recognizing myself in the mirror was really scary.”
Determined to maintain some control, Maureen used a scalp cooling system with the help and support of her MSK nurses, which helped her keep her hair.
In 2023, Maureen graciously agreed to share her story with lawmakers in Albany. Thanks to her courage and conviction, New York enacted legislation requiring large private health insurance policies to cover scalp cooling systems for cancer patients. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.
“What I would like people to know about cold capping is that, while it may not be the right choice for everyone, it should be an option for everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
Today, Maureen is feeling great. She still enjoys running and spending time with her two daughters Amelia, 7, and Norah, 4, and husband, Sean, where they live on Staten Island.
Share a 💕 below for Maureen.
