$10,000 Donation Awarded to Local Non-Profit, Northeast Kingdom Cancer Action Network

Liberty Mutual has awarded Barrett Insurance Agency, co-owned by Mike and Jenn Barrett, a 2026 Make More Happen™ Award for its partnership with the Northeast Kingdom Cancer Action Network (NEKCAN), a nonprofit dedicated to providing direct financial support to individuals in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont who are battling cancer. The funding will help cover everyday expenses such as travel to treatment, fuel, lodging, utilities, groceries, and other essential costs so patients and families can focus on healing.

Initially, Barrett Insurance Agency received a $5,000 donation through the Liberty Mutual® 2026 Make More Happen™ Awards program for its partnership with NEKCAN. After the story was featured on the official Make More Happen microsite at https://www.agentgiving.com/barrett-insurance-agency-2/, the community rallied with over 750 votes and comments—triggering a matching donation and bringing the total to $10,000.

The Northeast Kingdom Cancer Action Network (NEKCAN) exists to ease the financial burden of cancer so those affected can focus on healing and hope. Barrett Insurance Agency has been a key supporter from the start, recognizing the importance of keeping support local and accessible.

“For both myself and my wife, Jenn, supporting NEKCAN is deeply personal,” said Mike Barrett, co-owner of Barrett Insurance Agency. “This work honors my mom, Jenny, and her battle with ovarian cancer. It’s also especially meaningful following the recent loss of our brother-in-law, Mark Greenan, who passed away in January after a battle with aggressive lymphoma. Supporting NEKCAN ensures families in our community have help when they need it most. As a family-owned agency, we’re proud to provide the volunteer energy and support needed to get funds directly into our neighbors’ hands.”

Barrett Insurance supports NEKCAN year-round through financial contributions, in-kind space, and hands-on leadership. Mike Barrett is a founding board member and current board president, playing an active role in maintaining the NEKCAN website, designing event graphics, managing applications and sponsorships, and frequently emceeing events. The agency also provides meeting space for board activities and storage and serves as a consistent event sponsor, helping NEKCAN operate with minimal overhead as it continues to grow.

“Recognizing independent agents’ dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards are all about,” said Deb Bissell, Senior Territory Manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance. “Barrett Insurance Agency’s commitment to NEKCAN demonstrates the meaningful impact that local businesses can have when they invest in the health and well-being of their communities.”

Throughout 2026, Liberty Mutual Insurance will select up to 36 independent agencies nationwide for a Make More Happen Award, donating up to $360,000 to nonprofits they support. Agencies become eligible for the award by submitting applications that highlight their commitment to a specific cause.