For three years, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Sue de Vries rode in the grueling Pan Mass Challenge, a two-day cycling event to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Her heroic fundraising efforts did not end with biking.

Shortly after her diagnosis of breast cancer, Sue, a Swampscott wife and mother of three, recognized the need for a “wellness center” on the North Shore. Her vision was of a place where those with cancer and their friends and families could connect, share experiences, access adjunctive therapies and gain hope and support. Her dream was realized when she joined forces with Penny Wigglesworth, founding president of the reknown Penny Bear Company of Marblehead. Together they promoted ambitious weekly workshops in Wigglesworth’s home for people going through similar experiences. Called Sue’s Circle of Hope, the day offered journal writing, reiki, yoga, dance, chair massage, meditation, nutrition, guest speakers, support groups and camaraderie.

Sue’s grassroots program was the nucleus and inspiration for today’s professional Wellness Community in Salem, largely funded by the Sue de Vries Cancer Foundation, established and maintained by a circle of her loving friends.

''There's nothing you can do about the past, and to worry about the future is a waste of energy," Susan told the Boston Globe a month before her death. “If I could help just one person through one day, that's incredible."

Valiantly attempting to raise awareness about breast cancer and dedicated to discovering a cure, Sue was a highly visible and effective advocate, speaking at events throughout the community. Beautiful, articulate and empowering, she made friends wherever she appeared.

Mrs. de Vries was raised in Newton, graduating from Newton South High School in 1979. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from George Washington University in 1984.

April 20, 2006, Susan Ruth (Lipsett) deVries, 44, lost her battle with breast cancer, leaving her husband John and three young children: Haley, then 10, Kendall, 8, and Dylan, 5; her parents, Walter and Eleanore Lipsett of Chestnut Hill; a brother, Barry Lipsett of Needham; a sister, Julie Lipsett of Brookline and a host of friends – five of whom continue her work to this day under the auspices of the Sue deVries Cancer Foundation.

''She was a once-in-a-lifetime person," her friend, Andrea York of Marblehead, told the Globe. ''She just touched the hearts of so many people in this community. You didn't need to know her for ten years, you needed to just meet her for a minute."