Connections and the Art of Living

We love to hear about connections made at the Massachusetts Conference for Women! One of these stories came to us recently from EMD Serono, co-chair sponsor of the Conference.

At the 2010 Conference, Renee Connolly, vice president of communications for EMD Serono and a Conference board member, made opening remarks to welcome attendees. Later in the day, Pauline Alighieri, founder of the Friends of Mel Foundation, approached Renee at the EMD Serono booth.

Friends of Mel’s mission is to provide quality cancer care for the whole patient by funding cancer research, education and support. Knowing that EMD Serono, a leading biopharmaceutical company that’s committed to oncology research and active in the cancer community, and also based in the South Shore near the Friends of Mel headquarters in Hingham, Pauline saw the possibility for complementary collaboration between the two groups. After the Conference, Pauline and Renee discussed how their organizations could work together to benefit those living with cancer. In March of 2011, the Friends of Mel Foundation began working with EMD Serono’s communications team to raise visibility for the Friends of Mel through a variety of platforms on a pro-bono basis.

Both groups are working to promote of the Art of Living Conference on Saturday June 4 from 8am-5pm at the Quincy Marriot Hotel. This conference will help people facing life after cancer treatment address the many issues that cancer survivors confront. Registered attendees will have the opportunity to participate in keynote presentations, professionally led workshops, skill building seminars, networking opportunities and panel discussions with professionals such as Dr. Julie Silver, Harvard Medical School, Mikki Williams, Inspirational Humorist and others. It is the hope of Friends of Mel that people will leave this day feeling renewed, empowered, energized and — most importantly — equipped to live life.

To learn more or register for the Art of Living Conference, visit friendsofmel.org, call 617.482.3044 or email [email protected].

“The Massachusetts Conference for Women is a place that fosters connections and camaraderie among its attendees and sponsors, as well as creating a sustainable backdrop for business opportunities and development,” says Renee Connolly.

We hope you’ll share your story of connection with us!