Local accountant and community volunteer encourages everyday awareness and small acts of support that make a lasting difference.

BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 23, 2025 / Longtime Massachusetts accountant and community leader David E. Plunkett is calling on residents across the North Shore to take small but meaningful steps in supporting breast cancer awareness, research, and early detection.

For Plunkett, the cause is deeply personal. His late wife battled breast cancer for 11 years before passing away in January 2020. "She was the strongest person I've ever known," Plunkett said. "I saw firsthand how much courage it takes to keep fighting, and how much difference a supportive community can make."

Now, through local volunteer work and events such as Freezin' for a Reason and ongoing fundraising efforts for breast cancer research, Plunkett continues to channel that experience into advocacy and service. "I can't change what happened," he said, "but I can help others get through it. And I believe everyone can do something-big or small-to make a difference."

Raising Awareness and Encouraging Early Action

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, with survival rates exceeding 90% when cancer is found and treated in its early stages.

"Awareness isn't just about donations," Plunkett emphasized. "It's about regular checkups, encouraging friends and family to get screened, and talking openly about something that still makes too many people uncomfortable."

He encourages individuals and families to learn the signs, schedule screenings, and support local organizations that provide resources for patients and caregivers. "Even a small act-sharing information, volunteering at a fundraiser, or helping a neighbor going through treatment-can have ripple effects you'll never see," he said.

Service Beyond the Office

Best known for his decades-long career as a Certified Public Accountant and co-founder of Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and MPS Tax Services Inc., Plunkett has long viewed his role in the community as extending beyond business. He has volunteered with the Salvation Army, mentored youth through the Boy Scouts of America, and supported local charitable drives throughout Massachusetts communities including Newburyport, West Newbury, Peabody, Lynn, and Danvers.

"For me, giving back isn't optional-it's part of the job," Plunkett said. "I've been blessed with a career and a community that supported me through every season of life. The least I can do is show up for others."

Finding Purpose After Loss

After losing his first wife, Plunkett found comfort in helping others. He remarried in June 2025, expanding his family with two stepchildren, including Zander, who now works alongside him in his tax practice. Despite the years of professional growth and personal change, his focus on service remains steady.

"Family keeps you grounded," he said. "It's what gives everything meaning. Whether it's helping a client, raising funds, or spending time at home on the farm-it all comes back to the same principle: take care of what's in front of you."

A Call to Community Action

Plunkett's message is simple: people don't need to be wealthy or influential to make an impact. "You don't have to organize a gala or write a big check," he said. "You can start by encouraging one person to get screened, bringing a meal to a family in treatment, or joining a local walk. Consistency matters more than scale."

He hopes his advocacy reminds others that small actions build strong communities. "Integrity and compassion aren't just values in accounting," he added. "They're the same values that help people heal."

How to Get Involved

• Schedule an annual mammogram and encourage others to do the same.

• Volunteer with or donate to local organizations supporting patients and research.

• Participate in community events such as Freezin' for a Reason or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

• Offer support to families going through treatment through simple, direct gestures of kindness.

About David E. Plunkett
David E. Plunkett is a Massachusetts-based accountant and business leader with more than 30 years of experience in finance and public accounting. He co-founded Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and MPS Tax Services Inc., serving clients throughout the North Shore region. Outside of work, he is actively involved in community service, youth mentoring, and breast cancer awareness initiatives.

Media Contact

David Plunkett
info@davidplunkettnewburyport.com
https://www.davidplunkettnewburyport.com/

SOURCE: David Plunkett