Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the MUHC Foundation: Alyssa’s Story

Alyssa Morellato was only 33 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), after discovering a lump in her breast during self-examination.

“My mind went blank and a deep, paralyzing numbness settled over me. I had just gotten married to the love of my life and was thriving in my career as an occupational therapist. I felt like I was stepping into a new and exciting era of my life. Instead, my life became a series of scans, six months of chemotherapy, surgeries, fertility preservation, and medically induced menopause. Before I even had time to process it all, I found myself grieving the loss of my femininity, my fertility, and the body I once loved,” reflected Alyssa.

Along with that came mobility issues, exhaustion, chronic pain, and persistent mental fog, among a long list of other symptoms and complications that have become a part of her new normal. And yet, the climb––seemingly more daunting than ever­­––continues with another year of chemotherapy, radiation, eventual breast reconstruction surgery, and the possibility of unexpected setbacks, followed by ten years of maintenance treatments.

Despite the unfathomable hardship of her diagnosis, Alyssa believes that our experiences enrich our lives, rewrite our stories, and often lead us somewhere new and unexpected. She sees trauma as no exception:

“You learn that everyone has a story, and as the years go by, those stories grow richer and more complex. It’s undeniable that we all carry trauma in some form. Mine happens to be cancer. But every day, I am reminded that there is still so much life to be lived beyond illness,” continued Alyssa.

Alyssa was treated at the MUHC’s Breast Clinic, renowned for providing compassionate, people-first care:

“Our mission at the Breast Clinic and with our Wellness Program is to provide the full spectrum of support that patients like Alyssa require throughout their healing journey. A cancer diagnosis is pervasive, both physically and emotionally, and it doesn’t end after surgery or chemotherapy. We want to support our patients fully,” explained Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, Director, MUHC Breast Clinic and Founder of the MUHC Breast Wellness Program.

This past October, the MUHC Foundation teamed up with The Beat 92.5 to raise money and awareness during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Raise Craze—a partnership that includes Laval-based fundraising group Pink in the City—encourages participants to shave and dye their hair pink in support of the cause. This year, Lee Haberkorn from The Beat Breakfast Club shaved and dyed his hair pink once again, with co-hosts Claudia Marques and Natasha Gargiulo cheered him on. Showing the reach of the campaign, international clothing store La Vie en Rose generously matched all donations up to $50,000. Collectively, they raised a transformative $162,000 for the MUHC’s Breast Clinic Wellness Program and for cutting-edge research that will save lives.

“I was thrilled to be part of Raise Craze again this year. Cancer touches every single one of us, and that’s why I’m so committed to this cause. Last year, we raised $95,000—this year, we pushed even further and hit $162,000. It’s an incredible testament to how much people care,” shared Lee.

Since 2016, Raise Craze has evolved from a local fundraiser to a powerful movement that inspires generations of Quebecers, with high school students from the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board hosting their own shaves throughout the year and contributing to the important cause.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch grow and evolve significantly over the years. I am deeply grateful to this incredible community of volunteers, partners, and supporters who are driving the movement for more compassionate and personalized breast cancer care. Together, we’re creating a far greater impact than we ever could have alone," said Denise Vourtzoumis, Co-Founder and President of Pink in the City.

This year’s shave took place on the morning of October 30^th, when The Beat 92.5 broadcast live from the MUHC’s Research Institute with a crowd of supporters including hospital staff, patients, former patients, and community members.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who showed up and supported Raise Craze. Year after year, your impact continues to have a tangible effect on the lives of women who come to us for support during one of the most challenging times of their lives,” said Dr. Meterissian.

Alyssa also joined forces with the MUHC Foundation and fundraised for Raise Craze. She was driven by a powerful motivation that went beyond her own journey. “This challenge is bigger than just me,” she said.

“Alyssa’s courageous story exemplifies the meaning behind our impact. Every year, it’s inspiring to see our community rally for Raise Craze, a fundraiser that hits close to home for so many of us. The MUHC Foundation is wholeheartedly committed to supporting research and care at the MUHC’s Breast Clinic, helping build a future where women not only survive, but thrive,” shared Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

While Alyssa is still actively fighting cancer, she admits that she has always felt lucky­­—maybe not in health, not for now anyways, but certainly in love and in community. Given how personal this campaign is to her, she understands the value of every dollar raised for the Wellness Program. She regularly makes use of its services including physiotherapy, psychological counselling, massage therapy, and nutrition guidance. In many instances, it’s been a lifeline—and she wants to ensure that lifeline extends to as many women as possible.

Raise Craze is about more than awareness—it’s about action that directly touches lives. And with the help of our community, we are building a future where breast cancer is no longer a terrifying diagnosis. 

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