HANOVER, MA – (August 26, 2011) On August 14, 2011, Holbrook native Scott Clifford faced his fear of water by swimming a half mile across Lake Massapoag in the Sharon Sprint Triathlon (in addition to completing the 12.3 mile bike course and the 4.4 mile run). “I did have a panic attack about half way through but I couldn’t see the support boat so there just wasn’t anything else to do but work through it.” When asked why he would take on such a daunting task, Clifford recalls the strength of a friend who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. “Our friend Jen is going through treatment right now and we have been friends since we were kids. To see her going through all of this is really hard. She is such a strong and inspiring person. We all wanted to do something to help others facing similar struggles. I faced my fears in her honor.”

This is the second year that Clifford and teammates Tim Jenkins, Brian Jenkins, Dan Warsowick, Brian Pfingston, Ralph Deberardinis, Jay McDonough and Dave Gresham, sponsored by Hanover-based law firm Epstein, Lipsey & Clifford, have participated in the Triathlon — not only as competitors, but also as fundraisers. This year, in honor of their friend Jen’s courageous fight against breast cancer, the team raised money for the Ellie Fund, totaling more than $12,500.

The team chose Needham-based Ellie Fund based on their desire to raise money that would immediately help local families, as Jen Gresham explains, “I am extremely blessed to have a large support system in place to help me, and many people don’t have this network. We like the way that the Ellie Fund serves as that local resource you can count on in such a stressful time, and we want to help them as much as we can.”

The Ellie Fund was founded in 1995 by brothers Jeff and Eliot Popkin to honor their mother’s courageous fight against breast cancer and the giving spirit she was known for throughout her life. The Ellie Fund eases the effects of breast cancer by providing transportation, childcare, housekeeping, groceries, and nutritious meals free of charge to hundreds of women and family members across Massachusetts each year.

“There are often significant logistical and financial burdens placed on families who are dealing with breast cancer.” says Ellie Fund Executive Director, Julie Nations, “We are experiencing the largest ever demand for our services, and we often find it difficult to compete for donations with the large, nationwide charities. We are so honored by the hard work of the Epstein, Lipsey & Clifford team. Together we will directly benefit hundreds of local families who will greatly appreciate the support.”

If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.elclaw.com. For more information about the Ellie Fund, visit www.elliefund.org.