2026 Beneficiaries
Meet Joanna
Joanna is a devoted wife, mother of two teenage boys, and breast cancer survivor from Martha's Vineyard.
Her journey began on Christmas Day 2025 when she learned she had breast cancer. After undergoing breast-conserving surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in February 2026, Joanna completed 20 rounds of radiation treatment in April. Living on Martha's Vineyard meant daily ferry commutes and long travel days for treatment, creating both physical and financial challenges for her family.
Throughout it all, Joanna found strength in her husband, sons Cameron and Jake, her medical team, and the support of her community. As of June 2026, she is beginning endocrine therapy and remains grateful that her cancer was caught early.
The experience has deepened Joanna's appreciation for family, health, and community. While navigating the emotional and physical challenges of treatment, she remained determined to keep moving forward and is inspired by the many women who have shared their own breast cancer journeys. Looking ahead, Joanna hopes to become involved with organizations that support cancer patients and survivors, giving back to others facing similar challenges.
"I am so grateful that I caught this cancer early. It's a blessing to be alive."
We are honored to recognize Joanna Stanton as a Miles for Moms beneficiary this year and help with the financial burden of breast cancer as she continues to be resilience, courageous, and hopeful.
Meet ARelys
In January 2026, she went for her routine mammogram, never imagining that the appointment would change her life. She had also noticed a small lump beneath her nipple, prompting further evaluation. A biopsy revealed three invasive cancerous masses in her left breast.
Although the cancer was initially considered to be at an early stage, further testing showed that the cancer was more extensive than first believed. She underwent a mastectomy in March 2026, and doctors discovered six cancerous masses as well as cancer cells in the sentinel lymph nodes. She subsequently required additional lymph node surgery and is now facing chemotherapy and radiation before she can begin breast reconstruction.
This journey has been physically and emotionally overwhelming. An active person who is accustomed to giving to others, she never imagined she would find herself asking for financial help. With her husband as the sole income earner in their household, the financial challenges of treatment have added another layer of stress during an already difficult time.
Through the uncertainty, her faith has remained her greatest source of strength. While she has experienced moments of fear, sadness, and loneliness, she continues to pray for healing and looks forward to returning to a healthy, active life with her family.
She is grateful to the medical team caring for her and to Miles for Moms for helping ease some of the financial burden of her breast cancer journey. She hopes that by sharing her story, other women will be reminded of the importance of regular screenings and listening to their bodies.
We are honored to recognize her as a Miles for Moms beneficiary and to stand beside her and her family as she continues this challenging journey with faith, courage, and hope.
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
In September 2020, my mom Rachel was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer for a second time.
As an avid runner, I decided in the days after her diagnosis to start a Miles for Moms fundraiser in the hopes of helping to fund Rachel’s treatments and bring awareness to a disease that affects 1 of every 8 U.S. women. I started out by running one mile for every US$25 raised throughout the month of October, ending with a total of 256 miles trekked and a combined US$7,500 raised for Rachel’s care and breast cancer research.
In October 2021, we successfully launched the global edition of Miles for Moms with over 100 participants! Over the past three years, we collectively have run 1,535 miles and raised US$19,000 for NBCF, Susan G. Komen and our beloved friend, Fredelyn.
A big thank you to everyone who made the past four years a huge success! We can’t wait for you to join us this year at the DCR Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, MA or virtually to DIRECTLY SUPPORT OUR BENEFICIARIES fighting breast cancer.
- Candice Lanzoni, President of Miles for Moms
