Mary Jo Nugent grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts. She attended Melrose High School
and Boston College. In 1985, she entered Tufts University School of Medicine, thrilled at the prospect of fulfilling
her lifelong dream of becoming a physician. While in medical school, Mary Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She was 25 years old.

It might have been easier to resign herself to the impact of this diagnosis and abandon her plans. Such was not
Mary Jo's style. Instead, she resolved to fight her disease and continue to pursue her dream. She was rewarded
in June 1989 with a hard-won remission and her medical degree.

Mary Jo's passion and courage extended to her medical career. At the University of Massachusetts Medical Center,
where she served her residency, she quickly won the admiration and affection of her co-workers and patients.

Based on her talents and achievements, Mary Jo was selected Chief Medical Resident in 1992. But then fate struck
again. Her breast cancer recurred and was found to be extensive. Once more, Mary Jo refused to surrender. Drawing
upon her love of her profession and patients, her flair for living, her family and friends, she fought the disease for
another year. Mary Jo's battle ended on March 29, 1993, four weeks shy of her 31st birthday.

Face the Challenge

In 1988, Mary Jo wrote the following statement on her Medical Residency application:

"In everyone's life there are challenges, some small, some not so small. To live life is to face
the challenges - to learn and to grow."

Breast cancer forces many of us to Face the Challenge every day. With donations, the Foundation
helps women and their families "to live life... to face the challenges... to learn and to grow."

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