Lynnfield High’s Rocco Scenna is set to organize this year’s Breast Friends Walk at Devereux Beach in Marblehead.
Scenna first became involved with the Breast Friends walk, previously organized by his cousin, Emily Lucien, after losing his aunt to breast cancer in 2019.
“I had a really strong connection with my aunt,” Scenna said. “I really enjoyed my time with her.”
Once Lucien headed off to college this past year, the torch was passed down to Scenna, who had always expressed an interest in coordinating the walk.
“The goal is to just do my best this year since it is my first year,” Scenna said. “Trying to get enough people to the actual walk is the most important thing, so we’ll see in a few weeks but so far I think we’ve done a really good job.”
Scenna said he had already raised over $17,000 through sponsorships and aims to raise as much as possible to increase awareness of breast cancer.
“It’s always been a huge thing and it affects so many families,” Scenna said. “Maybe it doesn’t affect you super personally, but everyone knows somebody who’s battling some type of cancer and I just think it’s a huge thing to raise awareness for.”
Next year will be Scenna’s last year of organizing the walk, as he will be a senior in high school and going off to college soon after that. However, he confirmed his younger brothers will be taking over after him.
“I have two younger brothers who will be in eighth grade and they’ll take over after, so it’ll stay in the family,” Scenna said.
Join Scenna and his family at this year’s walk on Oct. 13, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds will be donated to MGH Chelsea Health Care Center to support people with Breast Cancer.
To support this cause, visit because.massgeneral.org/event/2024-breast-friends-walk/e572216 or make a check payable to Massachusetts General Hospital and Memo: Breast Friends Walk 2024.