Salem Cancer Survivor Rallies With Family, Friends for Charity Walk

Salem resident Jamie Masson was born at Lowell General Hospital, and years later she went to the same hospital to give birth to her son.

So it was only fitting that after Masson was diagnosed with breast cancer following a biopsy in September 2010, LGH gave her another chance at life.

Above everyone else at the facility, Masson credits her surgeon, Dr. Rebecca Shore, for helping her tackle the uneasy process.

"She made me feel so comfortable the whole entire time," said Masson of Shore. "She called me on weekends to check on me. When I called her she would call me back in between surgeries to ease my mind when my fears were setting in."

But given that Masson was diagnosed at age 30, she couldn't help but be scared when she first heard the news.

"I was so afraid that I had so much more life to live," said Masson.

Masson was diagnosed with the first stages of BCIS, or breast carcinoma in situ. Doctors first thought it was a cyst, but extra tests found something else.

"It was very early so there was no other way of detecting," she said. "There were no lumps or anything that I would ever know."

Microcalcifications led to the diagnosis, although Masson was originally told that they could be due to breast feeding or any type of chest trauma.

But later faced with the reality of cancer, Masson made a tough decision and opted for a double mastectomy, or surgical removal of the breasts.

"It was one of those things, they said either way you're going to have to have plastic surgery," said Masson.

Almost three years later, Masson is prepared to give back to the hospital that provided her with such great care.

On May 19, LGH will host its 14th annual TeamWalk for Cancer Care.

Proceeds from the TeamWalk event remain local, helping cancer patients within the community.

Masson just started a team in January, cleverly named "Treasured Chest," to take part in the walk. Her son, age 6, will also participate.

Both Masson and her cousin are no strangers to walks for cancer, and Masson even participated in the LGH walk about 10 years ago.

A total of 15 team members are working to reach a goal of $1,500 for the upcoming event.

Masson's step mother owns an antique store, and has a jug out to raise funds for the walk. Masson works for LaBella Salon in Tewksbury, Mass., and is trying to allocate donations between herself and her clients.

Those who will walk with Masson include her husband, mother, mother-in-law, sister and sister-in-law.

The TeamWalk for Cancer Care will start at the Tsongas Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. To donate to Masson's effort, visit here. For the "Treasured Chest" team page, visit here.