Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 A U G U S T 5 , 2 0 2 4 MB: What recent campaigns are you most proud of and why? MSB: We have had the extreme honor to have worked with most of the Maine blue chip clients over the past 37-plus years. We are proud of each and every client, but admittedly New England Cancer Specialists is near and dear to my heart as a 25-year cancer survivor where I received all my lifesaving cancer treatment. We have created a num- ber of memorable campaigns over the years but a few of our recent ones have centered around amazing patient stories. Last spring, we won a national award for our 'high-risk cancer genetics' integrated cam- paign. More recently, we created a bold campaign featuring a patient in active treatment who spurned her doctor's referral order to work with the doctors at New England Cancer Specialists. MB: How does your experience as a cancer survivor inform your leadership approach? MSB: Probably as a result of my cancer, I do feel extra driven to make each day count and pack in as much as I can along the way. Every new day is a gift. MB: What keeps the Tri for a Cure fresh for you every year? MSB: e women. Every year, the composition of participants is unique. And unfortunately, each year new women are diagnosed with cancer and when they can, they find their way to the Tri — almost as a rite of passage, which we actually heard from a first timer this year. And of course, the money … Maine is one of just a few states where cancer is the No. 1 killer. e money we raise says 100% in Maine and goes to the Maine Cancer Foundation to fund many essential programs across Maine covering prevention education, patient support and research. is year, we raised a new record amount of over $2.1 mil- lion — and more than $24 million in 17 years. Wow! MB: How has politics changed since your time in the Maine Legislature? MSB: I was in the Maine State Legislature from 2006 to 2012. Initially, there was still a strong element of col- laboration and bipartisanship. It began to change in 2010 and has continued to devolve to the current level of animos- ity, unproductive rhetoric and lack of collaboration. Sad. MB: What are you reading this summer? MSB: Whatever free time I have, which is very little, I am working on editing my book, 'Breast Cancer and the Single Woman — Dating with- out Boobs.' MB: What's still on your personal or professional 'bucket list'? MSB: My professional list is short — to work with more smart clients who appreciate the unique insights we bring to the table. But my personal list is long: Finish my book. en get back to finishing my genealogi- cal research including my mother's line that is so close to done. More travel including Antarctica, where I was supposed to go in 1977 to study glaciology, but as a female, I was not allowed at the National Scientific Base Station. And finally, be healthy enough to ski forever. Renee Cordes, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz Local. National. Global. Wherever you need us. At Dentons, we are here to help you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization. dentons.com © 2024 Dentons. Dentons is a global legal practice providing client services worldwide through its member firms and affiliates. Please see dentons.com for Legal Notices. Grow | Protect | Operate | Finance Zack Brandwein Counsel Kevan Lee Deckelmann Partner Ian Green Senior Managing Associate Chad Higgins Partner Katherine Drabecki Shareholder Kyle Smith Associate Hannah King Partner Andrew Helman Office Managing Partner Malina Dumas Senior Managing Associate Probably as a result of my cancer, I do feel extra driven to make each day count and pack in as much as I can along the way. Every new day is a gift. — Meredith Strang Burgess

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