Community Corner
Breast Cancer Foundation Receives $125,000 Gift In New London
The significant donation was made directly preceding the foundation's Walk for a Cure event, set for this weekend.
NEW LONDON, CT— The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation has announced a gift of $125,000 from long-time supporters Norm Boulanger and Stacy Tattar. The announcement comes just days before the 20th Annual Walk for a Cure on Oct. 4, according to a statement from the foundation.
The donation will fully fund a two-year breast cancer research grant.
The gift is made in memory of Boulanger’s late wife, Sharon, who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. It also honors their daughter Andi and her wife, Shelby, and Sharon’s sisters, Shirley and Diane.
Find out what's happening in New Londonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Tattar first walked in the foundation’s fundraiser in 2021. Since then, she has become an active volunteer, and served as chair of the Walk for a Cure in 2022.
“We formed a walk team and we fundraise,” Boulanger said in a statement. “But after speaking last year, we thought — what if we just sponsor one of the researchers in addition? Triple-negative breast cancer is the type that took Sharon’s life. Stacy and I believe that by directly funding research, we can help drive the breakthroughs that families like ours so desperately need.”
Find out what's happening in New Londonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Together, Boulanger and Tattar created Team Sharon, named in honor of Sharon Boulanger. In 2024, the team achieved Gold status as one of the top fundraising teams — a reflection of their dedication to the cause.
“The Walk is a beautiful time to reflect on those impacted by this disease,” Tattar said in a statement. “It’s also a chance to put our time and energy into something hopeful — finding a cure.”
John LaMattina, PhD Scientific Advisory Board co-chair, emphasized the impact of their gift.
“Norm and Stacy’s donation is mind-boggling,” LaMattina said in a statement. “On their own, they are funding two years of research by a promising young scientist who is working to find a breakthrough treatment for this horrible disease. We will all benefit from their generosity.”
Since its founding in 2006, the foundation has funded more than $6.7 million in research grants.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
