"I consider myself one lucky individual. I've got an incredible support system, a company that brings me boundless joy — and, oh yes, I've got cancer. But it doesn't define me."
-Julie Fry
In 2015, at 42 years old, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I had a full hysterectomy in Boston and charged forward — launching Gentreo with my sister Renee, traveling, volunteering, and never skipping a check-up.
Then, seven years later, the cancer came back. Tumors in my stomach and back muscles and lymphnoids. I didn't hesitate: I went right back to Dana-Farber, where I had already found the most extraordinary team of physicians I could imagine — and I started fighting again.
When chemotherapy and hormone treatment weren't enough, my oncologist Dr. Ursula Matulonis enrolled me in a groundbreaking new study. I recently finished a month of radiation when the tumors grew, but I'm still in the study today. That treatment has allowed me to keep building Gentreo, to travel across France and London with my family, and to keep showing up — with a smile — for every single day.
I started Designer Purse Bingo years ago for my church's community outreach. During chemo and radition, when I didn't feel well, I would shop online from my bed for designer purses — hours spent finding the best deals, because I knew every single one would go toward raising money for something that mattered. Now I'm bringing that same event to Dana-Farber, for the team that has given me so much.
Every dollar raised goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund — and to the research that is quite literally keeping me alive.
JULIE'S STORY
Why I started
Designer Purse Bingo
My life and the lives of my entire family were forever changed the moment I heard that my cancer had returned. But knowing that I had the best team at Dana-Farber helped strengthen my fight to not only beat cancer, but thrive while doing so. Treatment there is more than medicine — it's where patients and family truly feel seen, heard, and cared for.
— Julie Fry, Dana-Farber patient & Designer Purse Bingo founder
Throughout chemo, I kept working. I baked 80 dozen ginger snap cookies for a trade show with a trash bag taped to my head so I wouldn't lose any hair in them. I hosted bingo for 175 people, drove myself to the ER when I found out I had a pulmonary embolism (and parked down the street to avoid the valet fee), and kept a smile on my face through all of it. I've been through five different cancer treatments and am still fighting while building Gentreo, an award-winning estate planning company.
I can do this all because of the amazing support I have from my family, friends, care team, and co-workers. I fight for not only myself, but for all of them. Their endless support has supported me when I couldn't do it myself.
The New England Patriots' Crucial Catch program selected me to represent their cancer community. I walked onto Gillette Stadium's field at halftime. I was featured in Dana-Farber's Giving Day social media campaign. And through it all, I kept building Gentreo, kept fundraising, and kept showing up.
That is who I am. And that is why this event exists — because the research at Dana-Farber is the reason I'm still here to host it.
MY FIGHT
Attitude is Everything
ABOUT GENTREO
Creating Something Meaningful
In the midst of my cancer journey, I also co-founded Gentreo, a company built to help families plan for and protect their futures through simple, accessible estate planning. Building Gentreo alongside my sister has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life—it’s a reflection of resilience, purpose, and the belief that even during life’s hardest moments, you can still create something impactful. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, from being named a top online will provider to being featured in Times Square through Morgan Stanley, to helping thousands protect their choices and what they love.
Gentreo isn’t just a business to me—it’s a reminder that life continues, even in the face of uncertainty, and that there’s still so much worth building and celebrating.