Laurie Anne Mezzalingua, an outspoken advocate for breast cancer survivors, died peacefully at her parents' home in Fayetteville, surrounded by her family, on July 4, 2009. She was 41 years old. Laurie courageously battled breast cancer for 12 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29 in 1997. Her leadership skills were quickly called into action when she became president of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for two years and served on its board for six years. Laurie set her sights on philanthropy, establishing the Saint Agatha Foundation, named for the patron saint of breast diseases. The Saint Agatha Foundation benefits breast cancer patients who cannot afford their illness, as Laurie said. In the four years since its inception, Laurie distributed over two million dollars to help serve those in need. Laurie was active in PPC, her family's business. She served in a variety of roles and was most proud as founding president of Kajola Kristada, a manufacturing company based in the Caribbean on the island of St. Kitts, W.I. It remains today the largest manufacturer on the island. Born in Manlius, NY, on June 10, 1968, Laurie was the third child in a family of six children. A lifelong learner, she was a 1986 graduate of Manlius Pebble Hill and Boston University in 1990, where she double majored in Chinese history and communications. Laurie is survived by her parents, Daniel and Kathleen Mezzalingua; three sisters, Karen, Kristen and her husband, Peter McKenna, and Tracy; two brothers, John and his wife, Kimberly, and Daniel; nine nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She also leaves her two loyal and dear friends, Gail Cawley and Kathryn Lahey.