Lise and Mike Muccilo hosted the first Butterfly Ball in 2013 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of Mike’s sister. Lisa Marie was diagnosed at age 27 with an aggressive breast cancer and passed away in 2003 at 33 years old. To honor her legacy, they created The Lisa Marie Muccilo Foundation and donated the $25,000 raised during the first Butterfly Ball to Young Survival Coalition (YSC). To date, the Butterfly Ball has raised close to $50,000 for young women affected by breast cancer. Lise and Mike put forth much effort, time and energy to make this event a success to support young survivors. We are honored to present Lise and Mike Moccilo as YSC Game Changers for their work with the Butterfly Ball.
What inspires you in your work to support, empower or educate young women affected by breast cancer?
Mike’s sister, my sister-in-law and best friend, was diagnosed at 27 years old. Lisa was a huge advocate for young women with breast cancer and supported YSC’s mission for many years. I volunteered with Lisa, and when she passed Mike and I felt the need to carry on her mission. Lisa is and always will be our inspiration.
What about your work for young women affected by breast cancer makes you most proud?
Mike and I are proud that the Butterfly Ball fundraisers we have held have raised funds to continue to support YSC and all of the programs for young women with breast cancer.
What are your hopes for the future, with regard to YSC and young breast cancer survivors?
Mike and I hope to hold more Butterfly Balls in the future.
What is your message for YSC on its 20th anniversary?
A big thank you to YSC for being there. Thank you for being the support and source of information for Lisa, for us and so many young women.
Anything else you'd like to share?
We’ve met so many great women and families working with YSC throughout the years, and these friendships continue on 20 years later!
About YSC and Game Changers
Young Survival Coalition was founded in 1998 by young women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 35.
YSC is made up of people: survivors, co-survivors, volunteers, donors, healthcare providers. Our strength comes from our community. So in our 20th year, we will honor our roots — the people who have helped build YSC into what it is today — and also look forward, recognizing those in our community who are changing the future of breast cancer in young women.
We are highlighting these individuals as Game Changers throughout 2018 and sharing their stories with the world to thank them for their contributions to our community.
