Team Maureen: Keeping a loved one's memory alive through the PMC

Team Maureen was founded in memory of Maureen Ellen (Duffey) Russo, formerly of Hudson, Mass., who lost her battle to cervical cancer in 2006. She was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2003 and received treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In remission for almost three years, the cancer returned in 2006. The aggressive form of cervical cancer took a toll on Russo, despite her endurance and courageous battle for six months. She passed away in December 2006 at the age of 37. She left behind her high school sweetheart, Mike, whom she married in 1993, two young children and an extended group of family and friends.

Team Maureen

To keep her memory alive, Russo's husband and family, joined the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge and formed Team Maureen in 2007. Team Maureen is made up of 26 cyclists, including Maureen's sister, Eileen Duffey-Lind, a pediatric oncology nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who understands firsthand the impact of funds raised through the PMC. "We wanted to do something positive keep Maureen's spirit alive," says Duffey-Lind. "Maureen was very active, competing in gymnastics and participating in track, soccer, and cheerleading so we thought riding in the PMC would be the perfect way to honor her."

Team Maureen at 2010 PMC

To date, the team has raised $270,000 for Gynecological Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The team's 2011 fundraising goal is to raise $100,000. As Team Maureen embarks on its fifth year of riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge, the team has some fundraisers coming up: Reading of Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique & Fantastic Fashion Show Saturday, March 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Beach House Restaurant, corner of routes 28A and 151, North Falmouth, MA Tickets: $40 per child and adult. $10 for siblings Checks payable to: DFCI/PMC Send checks to: Eileen Lind, 908 West Falmouth Hwy, Falmouth, MA 02540 Your ticket includes: Fancy Nancy Book, Piggy Paint nail polish, photo keepsake, face and nail painting, fancy craft, dessert and drinks St. Patrick's Day Falmouth 5000 Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. Registration Closing Date: Wednesday, March 9 Falmouth Heights/BBC/ Falmouth RR Finish line, 263 Grand Avenue, Falmouth, MA 1K Kids Fun Run starts at 9:45 a.m. 5K with cash prizes for adults Register at www.active.com For questions, contact: Raymond Botelho (Race Staff) 508-564-2109 or raymond.botelho@yahoo.com Third Annual Team Maureen Dodge ball Tournament Saturday, May 21 at 11 a.m. The Gus Canty Community Center, 790 Main St., Falmouth, MA Two divisions of teams register: Average Joes' Family division and Globo Gym Adult division compete for medals and trophies. There will be children's activities, silent auction, food, DJ and more. Enter a team (6 to 8 members) in the Dodge ball Tournament $125.00 donation per team Donate food or beverages for the fundraiser or items for the silent auction Company logos will be placed on event banner and program Contact: Eileen Lind 508-221-4024 Find Team Maureen on My Space and Facebook for more information or email team.maureen@yahoo.com