When Marblehead resident Jillian French-Vitet was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024, the news brought not only the shock of a cancer diagnosis but worries about how her family would manage financially while she underwent treatment.
French-Vitet had just started a new job and didn’t qualify for paid leave. She knew she’d be out of work for at least eight weeks after surgery. And she was sending a kid off to college.
“It was a lot, it was a lot,” she said.
Then, a nurse at the Mass General Brigham’s breast cancer center in Danvers told her about the Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts nonprofit that provides financial and practical support to breast cancer patients and their families.
French-Vitet filled out an application and was asked what kind of help would make the biggest difference. Her answer was simple: groceries.
“It was just one of these things, one less thing I had to worry about,” she said.
Within about two weeks, French-Vitet received a letter and debit card providing money each month for three months while she recovered from surgery.
“It is such a wonderful organization,” she said.
Now two years cancer-free, French-Vitet works at Farine, a downtown Marblehead bakery, helping the owners build their business. Her experience is an example of the kind of support organizers hope to make possible for more patients through the second annual Marblehead Turns Pink for Ellie fundraiser.
Marblehead will once again turn pink Oct. 2-4, when nearly 100 shops, restaurants and organizations will participate in a weekend of special events, shopping, dining and fundraising activities to raise awareness and money for the Ellie Fund.
The nonprofit provides free essential support services to breast cancer patients, including transportation to medical appointments, meal deliveries, grocery assistance and child care reimbursement. The goal is to ease some of the everyday stresses that can accompany treatment, allowing patients to focus on their families, recovery and healing.
For Susan Hassett, a breast cancer survivor and leader of Marblehead Turns Pink for Ellie, the mission is also personal.
“I had a village during my journey,” Hassett said. “But not everyone does. The Ellie Fund steps in for those women who need more support — and that’s what makes this campaign so important.”
French-Vitet said she felt fortunate to be living in Marblehead, where her children grew up, but accepting financial assistance did not come naturally to her family.
The experience changed the way she thinks about organizations such as the Ellie Fund and the people who need their help.
And if her cancer ever returns, she knows where she can turn.
“If God forbid I have a recurrence, I’ll reach out to them again,” French-Vitet said.
This year’s Marblehead Turns Pink weekend will feature events across town.
Specialized bra fittings at Liz Steinfeld, 59 Atlantic Ave.
Friday, Oct. 2, 2-6 p.m.
Specialized fittings will feature mastectomy bras from AnaOno, along with complimentary bubbly and sweets. Guests can also enter for a chance to win an AnaOno lounge set.
Shop & Dine Pink throughout Marblehead
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4
Nearly 100 local shops, restaurants and organizations will go pink throughout the weekend. Residents and visitors can look for pink decorations and Ellie Fund signs around town and support participating businesses and the Ellie Fund by scanning QR codes on campaign posters.
Discover Marblehead’s Seventh Annual Fall Fair
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The annual Fall Fair at the Lee Mansion Gardens, 161 Washington St., will feature 21 artists and vendors, beverages, pumpkin carving and more. Visitors can stop by the pink Ellie Fund tent to meet members of the Marblehead Turns Pink team and Ellie Fund staff and learn more about the organization.
Brunch with Ellie at The Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St.
Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Landing will host a special brunch overlooking Marblehead Harbor and donate 10% of food and beverage sales during the event to the Ellie Fund.
A new addition this year is the Marblehead Turns Pink Raffle, featuring more than $3,000 in gift cards, merchandise and services donated by participating Marblehead businesses and restaurants.
Raffle tickets will be available Saturday at the Fall Fair and Sunday during Brunch with Ellie at The Landing. Proceeds will support the Ellie Fund and its work helping breast cancer patients throughout Massachusetts.
