Our Story

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Unfortunately, Sandy received a jolt in April 2015.  She found out that she is no longer just a breast cancer survivor.  She is now a breast cancer survivor diagnosed with the “M Word.”  Metastatic breast cancer.  It’s a fear of every woman who has ever suffered the blow of breast cancer.  One out of four people initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer, according to the Metastatic breast cancer network.  Sandy says when she learned of the news, “Every emotion got a workout.”

 Sandy is strong in her faith.   She has chosen to look at her disease not as a burden, but as a way to help others.

Ordinarily, Sandy is a private person; however, Sandy wants to share her personal stories, while also educating others on Metastatic Breast Cancer and raising awareness about the importance of research needed for Metastatic Breast Cancer.

It has also become a platform to inspire others who are battling the disease.

 Acknowledging that “the ending cannot be seen or predicted,” Sandy knows the love and support of her family, friends will help her face whatever lies ahead.

Sandy formed Breast Friends Fund – BFF – a fundraising initiative with 100 percent of donated funds earmarked "restricted" for Dr. Eric Winer and his team’s breast cancer research efforts.

There is a sense of urgency in supporting Dr. Winer in his efforts. It’s not just Sandy and her family who desperately need a cure.  The entire world is waiting for it.  Almost everyone has family members, friends, and co-workers who have had breast cancer. Please help halt this horrible, deadly disease in its tracks so Sandy’s daughters, her friends and family -- and you and those you love -- never have to experience it.  Ever.

Most charities apportion dollars towards line items other than research.  Our goal is to find a cure.  Breast Friends Fund donates 100% of proceeds directly to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research under the direction of Dr. Eric Winer and his research team at Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, CT.  We are volunteer-run, and operating costs are personally funded by Craig & Sandy Cassanelli.

One of the foremost researchers on metastatic breast cancer in the country, Dr. Winer is Alfred Gilman Professor of Pharmacology and Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology); Director, Yale Cancer Center; President and Physician-in-Chief, Smilow Cancer Hospital; Deputy Dean for Cancer Research, Yale School of Medicine.

Sandy and her family feel a sense of urgency when it comes to supporting Dr. Winer and his team, in their effort to find treatments and a cure for breast cancer.  It’s not just Sandy and her family who need a miracle. The entire world needs it.

Together we can make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer for the future of our daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers, aunts, and friends!