the green scene
last but not least
BY PAM O���BRIEN
I
n 2009, Wayside Magazine (a former sister publication of North
Bridge) featured a story entitled Angels Among Us and intro-
duced us to Wayland���s Pam Washek, an energetic woman who
founded a loosely affiliated community-based organization dedicated to helping the families of those stricken with cancer.
After her own bout with cancer in 2002 and so appreciative of
the assistance she received from friends and neighbors, Washek
recognized the importance of local support from community
members for those families facing the challenges that arise during
a health crisis.
As a result, Washek launched a full-fledged, nonprofit group
called the Neighbor Brigade in 2010. She worked tirelessly to gain
visibility and financial support for the organization, which grew
from nine initial chapters consisting of 1,000 volunteers to 30 established chapters with 3,300 volunteers to date. She collaborated with
hospitals and health care organizations in Massachusetts to expand
the reach of the Neighbor Brigade throughout New England and
beyond.
On December 2, 2012, Washek lost her courageous battle with
cancer. In a fitting tribute to Pam, the board of directors vowed to
carry on her mission.
Sue Parente, President of the Neighbor Brigade board, describes
her eloquently: ���What was so beautiful about Pam was how she
inspired people in such a quiet and gentle way that was enormously
ANNA MELIONES
effective. She had the peace and confidence of knowing and believ-
A Tribute to Pam Washek
ing in her purpose. She understood how important it is for all of us
as human beings to be connected and to feel a sense of community,
not only for the people who receive help, but also for the people
who give the help.
���I will be forever grateful to her for giving me the chance to participate in an organization that is so simply good and right. We all
miss her very much but keep her firmly in our hearts and minds as
we move Neighbor Brigade forward.��� ���
For more information on how you can help, please visit www.neighborbrigade.org
44 ��� north bridge magazine
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SPRING/SUMMER 2013