Gratitude for exceptional care, close to home

Inspired by the pivotal research at UMass Chan Medical School driving breakthroughs in cancer treatment—and by the excellent cancer care she’s received close to home—Shrewsbury resident Debra Paciello is an enthusiastic, longtime supporter of the UMass Cancer Walk.  

With ties to the event stretching back nearly two decades, Debra currently leads the UMass Cancer Walk team at Central One Federal Credit Union, a local business and dedicated event sponsor where she is a branch manager.

“At Central One, we’re getting new people on board with the event,” said Debra. “It's so important that the funds we raise stay here in the community. You can donate to national cancer organizations that are doing great work, but that money does not stay in Central Massachusetts.”

“Debra is one of many in the Central One ‘family’ who have benefitted from research and treatment at UMass Chan and UMass Memorial Health,” said David Kaiser, senior vice president of retail services at Central One.

“Our support of the UMass Cancer Walk over the years has helped raise important funds that contribute to ongoing research, training and excellent care. Cancer touches so many lives. It is truly personal to us all.”  

Debra’s participation in the walk took on “a much more important” meaning after her first cancer diagnosis in 2010.

After discovering a lump in her breast, a biopsy revealed a rare, fast-growing triple-negative breast cancer. At the time, an intensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery offered the best path forward. 

While Debra’s triple-negative breast cancer has not recurred, an MRI in 2023 revealed a second primary cancer in her other breast. Even rarer than her first diagnosis, the cancer required another round of intensive treatment and surgery.

During treatment, Debra shared her experience in a UMass Cancer Walk video, emphasizing the importance of supporting local cancer research. Today, that commitment remains as strong as ever.

Throughout both experiences, Debra says her cancer care team at UMass Memorial Health has been “phenomenal.” Recent MRIs show no evidence of the second cancer recurring. Today, she is feeling great, with a positive outlook on the future.

Her gratitude for the local healthcare system runs deep. Both her late mother and sister also received cancer care through UMass Memorial Health, strengthening her appreciation for the impact of academic medicine and research.

“The local medical community has done amazing things for me and my family,” said Debra. “And I know that it’s connected to the research happening at UMass Chan, which is essential to developing more effective treatments.”

Reflecting on her many years supporting the UMass Cancer Walk, Debra becomes emotional when talking about the survivor lap, especially seeing children living with cancer take part.

“I tear up during every survivor lap because I know how hard it is to go through cancer as an adult,” she said. “I can't imagine how children manage it. They’re so resilient and brave. It’s very inspiring.”

A busy professional, mother and grandmother, Debra is also a self-taught artist, painting vibrant canvases using acrylics, watercolors and colored pencils. Amid her full and active life, she continues to make the UMass Cancer Walk a priority each year.

“If you live in this area, the strength of our local medical community is so incredibly important, and it deserves our support,” she said.

In recognition of her fortitude and resilience as a cancer survivor, and her enduring dedication to the event, Debra has been invited to lead this year’s survivor lap, and she will also share reflections during the opening ceremonies.

“For years Debra has used her story to create awareness and rally support for the UMass Cancer Walk. Everyone at Central One is very proud that she is being recognized with the honor of leading this year’s survivor lap. She’s a survivor, an advocate and a caring friend to everyone she meets who has been touched by cancer,” said David.

“Researchers right here at UMass Chan are working hard to discover better treatments for rare cancers like mine,” said Debra. “If needed, I know they are going to save my life again. With their support, I will fight it every time.”