The Rosen Family Giving Page's Fundraising Page

Thank you for visiting our Giving Page to support cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).

Our fundraising efforts- and your donation- will go to research initiatives at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To date we have raised thousands on this page for genetic research and the Susan F. SmithCenter for Women's Cancers research.

We thank you for your generosity.
-Max and Michaela Rosen

OurMom's Story:
Susan Lynne (Shanbaum) Rosen, age 53, passed away on January 18, 2019 from metastatic breast cancer surrounded by her husband Mark Rosen of 28 years, daughter Michaela (24), son Max (19), and dog Wally (8).

Born and raised in Southbridge, Massachusetts on February 20, 1965, Susan was the daughter of Florence and Sam Shanbaum. Susan grew up loving art- waking up at night to draw and paint throughout her childhood. After graduating from Southbridge High, Susan attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she graduated with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. Susan applied her degree as a daycare teacher in Tewksbury and Boston, began her own home daycare, and substitute taught in the Franklin Public elementary schools.

At UMass in 1986, Susan met Mark. Having been made for each other, they were married in June 1990 and lived briefly in Melrose. Susan and Mark then moved toPeabody to start their family. Two kids and several years later, the family settled in Franklin MA in 2003. Devoted wife and mother, Susan enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, and helping others. Susan loved family vacations- Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Disney World- the happiest place on earth.

Susan was originally diagnosed with Stage IIIC breast cancer in August 2010. After months of treatments, followed by almost three years with no evidence of disease, Susan's cancer returned and metastasized in September 2013. During Susan's journey with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) she documented her metastasis to the bones, liver, lungs, and brain on her blogletusbemermaids.wordpress.com. As a true teacher, Susan educated friends, family, and strangers about MBC and the lessons she learned along the way. Susan inspired many with her honest writings. She was recognized as a top MBCblog and was interviewed in newspapers, forums, and by Robin Roberts' production team for WebMD.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live." -StuartScott

Susan leaves behind her beloved husband Mark E. Rosen of Malden, childrenMichaela B. Rosen and Max F. Rosen of Franklin, and dog Wally. Susan also leaves behind her siblings and their families: Mark Shanbaum, Cheryl Trombley, Bruce Shanbaum, and Mindy Bessette. She reunites with her parents, the lateFlorence and Samuel Shanbaum of Southbridge.

Zikhronah Livrakha, may her memory be a blessing.




Aboutthe Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers:
As leaders in the world's fight to end women's cancers, the Susan F. SmithCenter for Women's Cancers at Dana-Farber creates powerful possibilities for patients by bridging compassionate care and world-class clinical research.

Aboutthe Gene Display:
The Gene Display, located in the Robert J. Tomsich Family Gallery in the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, is a visual and dynamic display that represents the real genetic information that leads us to lifesaving cancer treatments. Naming a gene supports DFCI campus revitalization efforts designed to foster collaboration between researchers and clinicians, with the goal of advancing clinical research and care and providing a welcome, warm, and nurturing environment for families at Dana-Farber.