Wellesley Firefighter, Cancer Survivor Honored By Patriots

WELLESLEY, MA — A Wellesley firefighter and cancer survivor is the latest change-maker to be honored by the New England Patriots.

Joanie Cullinan was named the "Difference Maker of the Week" for her work promoting awareness about occupational cancers and promoting the importance of early detection. Cullinan is a Melanoma survivor.

She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma three years ago. After her diagnosis, she began working with 15-40 Connection, a non-profit organization focused on teaching people how to detect cancer early, advocate for themselves and work with doctors to get the best outcomes.

"Joanie’s tireless work to help others by sharing her own experience with cancer and advocating for early detection makes her the perfect recipient for this award. Congratulations!” said Marjorie Freiman, Wellesley Board of Selectmen Chair. Fire Chief Rick DeLorie added, “Our firefighter family is so proud of Joanie and her outstanding work. We’re glad she’s healthy and back with us."

The Difference Maker awards are presented every week throughout the 2020 NFL season by the New England Patriots Foundation. Part of the foundation’s Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, the awards recognize volunteers like Joanie who go above and beyond to support non-profits in their communities. The 15-40 Connection will also receive a $5,000 donation from the Patriots Foundation.

"While some people might have retreated into themselves after a cancer diagnosis, Joanie looked for a way to continue to help others," said Joyce O’Connor Davidson, 15-40 Connection Vice President for Communications & Engagement, "The $5,000 donation we are receiving will go toward the education we deliver for free in fire departments, to young adults in schools, and to community organizations."