Christina Flaherty recently became the Denise Marie Flaherty Memorial Foundation’s (DMF) Executive Director.

She graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and spent several years in marketing before discovering her passion for childbirth and lactation. For 15 years, she dedicated herself to working as a birth doula and lactation counselor.

When her husband, Brian, expressed interest in starting the DMF Memorial Foundation 22 years ago, she stood by his side every step of the way. From supporting his century bike ride in Austin, TX, to initiating a golf outing in New Jersey, Flaherty’s commitment mirrored her husband’s passion. Witnessing the foundation’s growth over the years has been an incredible experience for Flaherty. With her leadership and dedication to the mission, she hopes to grow the foundation and help many more cancer survivors and their families.

Flaherty is the proud mother of two sons: Shane, 21, who is studying marine biology at UNC Wilmington, and Brian, 17, who aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps by working internationally and leading the foundation. Additionally, her mother lives nearby in a cottage on their property in Mebane. The Flaherty family, dispersed across New Jersey and Arizona, holds a special place in her heart. “Big J,” her father-in-law, and his wife, Shelley, are strong supporters of their endeavors. Growing up as an only child, Flaherty always dreamed of having siblings. Now, she enjoys close relationships with her four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law.

Flaherty’s love for her Certified Therapy Dog, Beckett, is evident to anyone following her on Facebook or Instagram. Together, they visit various places to spread joy, and Beckett is a beloved presence at many of the foundation’s events.