Meet A Mom On A Mission: Stacey Arisian
Meet Stacey Arisian, the chapter director in Milford for The Cure Starts Now, a charitable organization that funds research for a cure for pediatric brain cancers like DIPG.
Stacey’s Inspiration: My daughter, Serena Mulligan, died at 23 from a DIPG. DIPG is an inoperable brain stem tumor which most commonly affects kids under 10. She asked us to fundraise for a cure for this disease, so we started our Milford chapter in her memory in hopes of doing just that. Serena grew up in Milford and went to Calf Pen, East Shore, and Foran.
Why Stacey Loves Milford: Milford is a great place to live and raise a family. This community is supportive and inclusive, making everyone feel welcome. There are resources and programs to support interest in sports, art, theater, and more. The beaches are lovely, too!
Best mom advice: You’re doing better than you think you are. Remember that your goal is to raise your kids so that they add to their community and can become independent citizens. Always give them roots to grow and wings to fly.
“Serena was extremely private during her illness and did not want any social media or other attention. She said that after her death, we should work to raise money to fund the research that would lead to a cure for DIPG. We have a can drive on the second Sunday of each month. We are grateful for the community’s support and for all of the amazing volunteers that have joined us every month. On Saturday April 27, 2024, our chapter along with our sister chapter of The Cure Starts Now will host our 3rd annual Blast Cancer Walk at Lighthouse Park While we remember Serena and Lea, we will be joined by thirteen other families here in CT affected by pediatric brain cancers like DIPG. Some of these amazing kids are still in treatment, and the support for them has been incredible. We would love to see more Milford families join us, and we would also be so grateful for the support of Milford businesses willing to sponsor this event”
