Rachel is a Bridgeport resident, the proud owner of Cabana Tan, and is admired and loved by many. In March 2022 after several ER visits, doctors appointments, and CT scans, multiple lesions were discovered which suggested cancer cells were present and had spread. Rachel and her family's lives were changed forever. Rachel was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer with brain, bone, liver, kidney, and adrenal metastases with EGFR Exon 19 mutation. As of today, Rachel continues to fight and has completed months of chemotherapy enduring countless side effects with most recently an additional 10 more rounds of radiation to her spine and brain with continued chemotherapy

Despite all of these tragic events, Rachel remains happy, positive, and determined to beat this. She continues to find the positive in every single situation. To quote Rachel herself –“some people may say I have a lot to be unhappy about at this time in my life. I have to disagree. I’ve learned how to accept things out of my control and make the best of everything that gets thrown my way.”

Update: Rachel lost her battle to cancer April 2024. She will be truly missed

Beauden is a bright eyed, 3 year old boy from Steger, IL. He is a brother to Braven (5) and Billie (10 months). In September of 2020, Beauden’s family was blindsided when doctors announced their son had Leukemia. From that point on, Beauden received 2 blood transfusions and surgery to place a port in the right side of his chest to go directly to his heart. He also had a lower lumbar puncture with his first round of chemotherapy that went directly into his spine, and a bone marrow biopsy performed on his right hip. The family stayed a week in the hospital while Beau continued to receive chemo and multiple medications.

Beauden is strong, and he has been resilient despite what he's had to endure. His road to recovery is going to be a long one. As long as his body is responding well, doctors estimate a 3 year treatment plan for Beauden. He will be back in for surgery at the end of October, and visits are weekly.

Beauden, we are praying for you and we can’t wait to hear about the day you win this fight!

In May 2022, Kelly received a call after a routine mammogram to come back for an ultrasound and biopsy. They found multiple spots and didn’t like the shape of them. On June 1st, Kelly was diagnosed with Stage One Breast Cancer.

In July 2022, Kelly had a lumpectomy to remove both spots and 2 lymph nodes. Her lymph nodes and margins were clear, but since the spot was high risk the doctor prescribed 4 rounds of chemo and 20 rounds of radiation.

Kelly started chemo in September and finished in November. She is currently in the process of receiving radiation.

Kelly has a 4 year old son Michael and spends her time enjoying it with family and friends! Kelly has been a huge supporter and friend of the Nina Mastro Organization

Brendan was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma in July of 2021 at the young age of 2. After rounds of chemo and radiation, Brendan was in remission. Unfortunately, his scans this past September showed a tumor. He underwent surgery in October and thankfully is now recovering. He was able to celebrate Christmas at home with family.

Brendan is a fun loving and energetic little boy who adores Spider-Man. He comes from a traditional south side family with a mother who is a nurse. Brendan’s ongoing medical battle has his parents traveling back and forth to New York to seek advice from doctors there.

Update: Brendan lost his battle to cancer October 2023.

Isla Dorsey is our 2023 Nina Mastro Organization Recipient. Isla is a beautiful, young, and vibrant 4 year old. In May 2022, Isla was diagnosed with a cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer of the tissues found in her face, sinus, and nasal cavities). At the time of her diagnosis, it had metastasized to her lymph nodes on both sides of her neck, and she also had a spot on her lungs. Due to the aggressive nature of her tumor, within the week of diagnosis and starting treatment, the tumor grew causing pressure on her left optic nerve and she lost the sight in that eye. Her treatment consisted of 42 rounds of intense chemotherapy that she completed over 52 weeks with delays due to infections. She also completed 33 days of radiation treatment. Throughout this journey, Isla has had multiple hospital stays, emergency surgeries, infections, and the loss of hearing in her left ear. However, Isla had her routine scan this week and we are happy to hear that after 585 excruciating days Isla is CANCER FREE! Although this is the greatest outcome for Isla, there are still obstacles she has to endure. Isla is currently on the waitlist for a much needed dental surgery, due to the effects of radiation and chemo, and it is expected that she will need regular dental work done for the rest of her life. She will also need eye exams every 3-4 months because the chemo she received may have caused damage to her only seeing eye, and radiation will more than likely cause cataracts in her bad eye in the next few years. You can learn more about Isla’s story and follow her journey on their Facebook group, Infinite love for Isla.