Our names are Svea Tullberg and Lily Piel, and we are fundraising for our dear friend and colleague Megan Cullen. Megan's cancer diagnosis has arrived during an incredibly difficult period in her life—she is facing serious challenges, including the risk of losing her home, a lack of transportation, and being unable to work as she prepares for intensive treatment.

Megan was interviewing at multiple places for a new job when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 21st, just 3 weeks after being laid off from her last job. She had a biopsy in June and lumpectomy in July to remove the tumor. Radiation therapy will begin September 22nd. Megan is unable to work during her upcoming cancer treatment and her personal funds have been rapidly depleted. Monthly bills have been piling up and on September 2nd Megan received a foreclosure notice. Needless to say, the potential loss of her home is adding stress and uncertainty to an already scary situation.

On top of everything, when Megan's sister Moya arrived at the airport to assist her for surgery, the transmission in Megan's car failed on the way back to Belfast. They arrived home at 3 AM that night in a flatbed truck with a car that needs a new transmission costing $6,500.

Megan was able to apply for and receive MaineCare, so it appears that Megan's remaining medical costs will be covered for 2025, aside from some past due payments for prior care. The purpose of this fundraiser is to cover Megan's past due and upcoming monthly living expenses and her car’s transmission repair, so that she can focus on healing.

Megan has been a member of the Belfast community since moving here from Pennsylvania with her 2 yr old daughter and partner in 2007. She chose Belfast because of the strong sense of community, from the Belfast Coop to local events where Megan and her family met friendly and welcoming people. She has worked as a Construction Project Manager at PHI Home Designs and GO Logic, and worked at Waterfall Arts supporting community arts. Megan was also an Energy Efficiency Educator for the Waldo CAP agency.

Her close friends and family describe Megan as kind spirited with a strong sense of humor and love of adventure. An example of Megan's care for others is when a friend was in an accident, Megan stopped by with a Random Act of Cupcake delivery to lift her spirits. We reached out to friends and family members and these are some of the words they felt best described Megan:

Thoughtful, creative, considerate, gracious, resolute, penchant for silliness & all things food!

Megan's sister Taffy is coming from Spokane to support Megan with transportation and company during her 4 week treatment mid-September. She’s eating well thanks to SNAP and the Kindness Community Market at the Belfast Soup Kitchen. Svea has loaned Megan a temporary vehicle to get her through until her car repairs can be done. Her cats Pangur and TT are providing snuggles, morning demands, and fluff.

Let’s rally around Megan.

She’s facing one of life’s toughest battles with limited resources and mounting challenges. Your support—no matter the amount—can make a real difference.

Donate today to help Megan cover essential living costs, transportation, and treatment expenses.

Together, we can help ease her burden and remind her she’s not alone.