Cherise Poserina | Hall of Courage

Why Cherise Poserina

In loving memory of her mother, Debbie, Cherise Poserina created Debbie’s Friends Fund to support women battling breast cancer—preserving dignity, providing relief and normalcy, and lightening the financial load. Without obligation or desire for recognition, she transforms personal empathy into service so other families need not face these hardships alone.

Debbie’s Friends Fund is a nonprofit organization founded by Cherise Poserina in memory of her mother, Debbie Poserina, who passed away in 1996 at the age of 40. The organization’s mission is to ease the financial burden faced by local families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

As cancer treatments like immunotherapy continue to advance, the cost of care keeps rising. Many patients face overwhelming medical expenses while also losing income due to time away from work. The support provided by Debbie’s Friends Fund offers a small but meaningful relief, helping families focus on healing while reminding them they are not alone during treatment.

The nonprofit’s name reflects Debbie Poserina’s warm and outgoing spirit. Known for striking up conversations with everyone she met, she had a natural way of making people feel like friends. At Fritz & Bianculli, we are proud to honor Cherise Poserina and Debbie’s Friends Fund for their compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to families, embodying the true heart of the Hall of Courage™.As the inaugural inductee, Jennifer Woodeshick embodies the very essence of the Hall of Courage™. Her journey has been met with unwavering grace and a determination to help others. Jen’s advocacy for research funding and her ability to inspire those around her reflect exactly why this Hall exists. She has turned her personal challenge into a source of strength for everyone who meets her, making her the perfect first honoree and a symbol of the courage we hope to celebrate for years to come.