Friends Who Care Association | Strengthening Lives, Strengthening Community, Strengthening Hope

~Friends Who Care~

In 2006, after watching helplessly as my family suffered through various battles with cancer, I made the decision to take a stand and do something. Driven by personal experience, I founded the FWCA set on a mission to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients in our community. I was impelled to help provide essential services, support and most importantly, hope for those fighting cancer the way my family did.

The Friends Who Care Association (FWCA) is a local, non-profit, charitable organization that benefits the Cancer Care Center at Lowell General Hospital. What sets the FWCA apart from other organizations is that all proceeds stay local, so donations are guaranteed to help people within the Merrimack Valley area.

Thanks to the generous donations of our dedicated sponsors, the FWCA has made continuous growth since it's inception in 2006. The annual fundraiser has grown from raising $10,065 in 2007, with 311 attendees and homemade food, to over $15,000 in 2011. The FWCA is about real people, real lives, and real help.

"We cannot be afraid of cancer, it has tortured and ended the lives of so many that we love and it is time that we finally stand-up face to face with this horrid disease and defeat it. If we take time and walk down the same path together, hope can finally become a reality, so please join me, and remember, together we can make a difference!” -Matt Vieira

Providing essential services, support and hope!

The FWCA raises money to help cancer patients and their families when and where they need it most – here and now . And it isn’t about giving a cure, but about finding hope, courage and strength to live as fully as possible.

FWCA & Lowell General Funds Have provided:

11 years of service to the Greater Lowell Community

100+ cancer screening programs

100+ new patients a month

1000+ support groups provided

1000+hair prosthesis provided

1000+ medications purchased

10,000+ patient/family assistance provded

10,000 feet of new hope-oncology/hematology medical practice

10,000+ rides to treatment provided

100,000+patients treated

Matthew Vieira

FWCA President and Founder

Matt Vieira is a 22 year old resident of Lowell, MA, and the President and Founder of Friends Who Care Association. He is now undertaking a double major in Business Administration and Management at Rivier College in Nashua, NH.

In 2006, after watching his family suffer through various battles with cancer, Matt resolved to make a difference. Adversity made Matt stronger, and at 16 years old, he decided to fight back against cancer. In addition to school, work and a teenage social life, Matt dedicated himself to helping others. Some of Matt's accomplishments include:

In 2007, Matt received a Citation of Honor from the Lowell City Council and former Mayor Bill Martin.
In 2008, Matt received the 2008 Philanthropist of the Year award from Women in Development of Greater Boston.
In 2010, Matt received the certificate of “Special Congressional Recognition” by the United States House of Representatives and Congresswomen Niki Tsongas.

Matt has previously served on Lowell General's TeamWalk Board and the Pawtucketville Citizens Council. He is currently continuing his duties as President of FWCA, working full time and attending Rivier College.

The Cancer Center at Lowell General

All funds raised by the FWCA benefit the Cancer Care Center at Lowell General.

The Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital strives to be the leading regional provider of comprehensive cancer care services to improve both the quality of life and the health status of cancer patients.

To learn more about, follow this link, Cancer Care Center

Dariusz Czerwonka

FWCA Vice President

Dariusz Czerwonka joined the FWCA in its second year of operation. Cancer struck home for Dariusz when a family member was diagnosed with leukemia. He learneed that the fight against cancer is no small feat and cannot be taken on alone, so he decided to join in the fight. Since 2007, Dariusz has dedicated his time to collect raffle and auction items from corporate sponsors. He is a key player in the FWCA's success

Matt describes Dariusz as “One of the most prominent members FWCA has, and we are extremely fortunate to have Derek as part of our team.