Michele's Story

Michele was diagnosed with advanced stage colorectal cancer in 2013 at the age of 47. Even though she lost her own 57 year old mother to the same cancer when Michele was only 17, it took everyone by surprise and sent her and her family into a state of shock. She did everything the doctors told her and received the conventional standard of care treatment, undergoing chemo, radiation and 2 surgeries. Even though these treatments caused months of physical pain and emotional discomfort, she tolerated them well and we are grateful that this method decimated the tumor and at the time extended her life.

Afterwards, we were told she would never be 100% cancer free because it was in her lymph system. "There was no cure " and she would need chemotherapy for the rest of her life. On top of that, due to the surgeries, she had to learn to function with an incomplete digestive system. With her spirit broken, feeling hopeless and fearful, she fell into a deep depression. She was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t find the support she needed for whole person wellness after her conventional cancer treatment.

Over time, not to be defeated, through diligent research she found integrative practitioners and discovered self-care techniques that improved her quality of life, decreased stress and possibly slowed down cancer growth. She became a person living and thriving with cancer and wanted to share all that she was learning with others.

Michele became a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Along with being a dedicated wife, mother, sister, friend, student and party goer, she was now a teacher. Her life was filled with love and purpose. She was fortunate that she and her family had the means to afford these often expensive integrative services and activities that helped her so much. Many were not covered by insurance and involved time, sacrifice and energy. She was an inspiration to anyone she came in contact with and she wanted to assist others who were unable to find comfort and wellness during and after their cancer treatment.

There are thousands of stories out there of individuals finding the cure for devastating diagnoses and Michele read all that she could find. This gave her hope and helped her stay in a positive state of mind up until she succumbed to the disease in 2019, many years beyond her life expectancy. Even though she was not able to find the perfect combination for herself in time, she never stopped believing that anything was possible for herself and others. Our mission continues her quest to help those affected by cancer find the answers that meet their individual needs to live a loving and purposeful life. Inspired by Michele's life and work, her sisters, Vicki, Mary Beth and Lori founded PREVENT-HEAL-THRIVE.

SUPPORT TEAM

MICHELE'S THREE SISTERS ;

Lori Cote, Vicki Severin and Mary Beth Buckley

LORI COTE, President , Founder

AS Physical Therapy, NFPT Certified Cancer Recovery Specialist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Pilates Instructor, owner of Aproma Studios: Michele and Lori spent many hours researching integrative cancer services together. As a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Michele worked with Lori to develop and present holistic health workshops and wellness plans.

VICKI COTE SEVERIN, Secretary, Founder BS Education/Therapeutic Recreational Services UCONN; In 1983 Vicki began her position as a Rehabilitation Therapist for State of Connecticut/ Department of Developmental Services. In 2003 she became the Director of Camp Harkness: Together, Vicki and Michele studied healing through positive thinking and the power of gratitude, both of which Michele became a master. Vicki hosted holistic nutrition workshops at Camp Harkness where Michele was a popular presenter.

MARY BETH (COTE) BUCKLEY, Treasurer , Founder AS Developmental Disabilities; over 33 years experience with State of Connecticut/Department of Developmental Services in various roles including Rehabilitation Therapist Assistant and Case Management. She continues to assist with individuals in the private setting: Mary Beth was a strong supporter of Michele attending all of her workshops, accompanying her to chemo treatments, caring for her dogs Jack and then Bella, driving her to doctor's appointments, bringing her dahlias and providing a laugh when she needed it.

ANDREA POLLAK, LMFT

SERVICE NAVIGATOR & FOUNDER

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Core Energetics Practitioner in Old Saybrook, CT.

Andrea helps the team and participant choose the services that are the best fit.

"I have dedicated my career in serving motivated people find their passion and purpose and enhancing their quality of life. I educated myself in integrative health services while taking care of my mother for years while she was thriving with cancer. I also had the privilege of working closely with and providing healing therapies to Michele."

Male Cancer Support

SHAWN TROTT

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and I’m living proof that resilience and determination can turn adversity into strength. My journey took an unexpected turn in 2021 when a routine physical revealed elevated creatinine levels. What followed was a whirlwind of tests and a diagnosis of Light Chain Deposition

Multiple Myeloma.

Instead of letting it define me, I took control. I switched treatments, adapted to new realities, and found solutions that worked for me—whether it was overcoming neuropathy, navigating chemotherapy, or choosing the right tools to maintain my quality of life. I learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and push forward with purpose. I believe in living with passion, staying informed, and taking action. Through donations of Battle On Beanies, Battle On Ball Caps, and Battle On Bucket Hats, I aim to uplift those who are walking a similar path. https://vaincre-cancer.square.site/

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

PLATINUM DONORS

Elisse Rosen (Governance),

Elizabeth Courtney Blake, (Peer Mentorship),

Laura Petit (Physical Therapy Consult)

Scott Bassett & Family

Laurie McElwee (Primary Fundraiser, Events Commitee & Community Outreach.)

The Annual Michele Bassett Soccer Tournament

Andrew Pollak, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of P.T.S.D., consult for clients and family members, Male Cancer Thriver Support Group Facilitator, Events Committee

VOLUNTEERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jo-Ann Heller -Events Committee

Robin Ryan- Events Committee, volunteer bookeeper

Patti Litevich-Event Speaker, Colorectal Cancer Thriver

Laurie Campbell,_Events Committee

Robin Gibson-Events Committee

Lynn Stoddard-Events Committee

Linda Heller-Events Commitee

Laurie McElwee- Events committee, Communtity Outreach, Primary fundraiser

SERVICE PARTNERS INCLUDE:

Healing Therapies Thru Sharing

The Sage Place

Niantic Acupucture and Family Wellness

Essential Skincare

Support PREVENT-HEAL-THRIVE Today

Donate to Prevent-Heal -Thrive

Your donation will help us continue our mission of supporting our community. It was Michele's dream to help cancer patients find affordable and effective integrated services during and after treatment. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Attend Our Events & Volunteer

We host a variety of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, community outreach events, and educational seminars. Join our event committee.

Partner with PREVENT-HEAL-THRIVE

We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.

Spread the Word

Help us raise awareness of our mission to bring comfort, hope and support to people affected by cancer by sharing our website, social media pages and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.