Merle Marquis receives the 2013 Jason Vitale Memorial Award from the Massachusetts Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Natick

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Massachusetts Chapter named Merle Marquis, of Framingham, this year’s recipient of the Jason Vitale Memorial Award on June 20, 2013 at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.

The Jason Vitale Memorial Award is a lasting tribute to the spirit and courage of Jason Vitale.  Before losing his life to leukemia at a young age, Jason served as a committed and inspirational spokesperson for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Like Jason, Merle inspires others to have hope and reach even higher for a world without cancer.  

Upon diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma fourteen years ago, Merle became involved with LLS through the Patient Services Department. In January of 2000 Merle was invited to attend a training session for the First Connection program. The First Connection Program connects newly diagnosed patients with volunteers who have had a similar cancer diagnosis.

After attending the meeting, Merle was inspired to become a LLS volunteer. She was healing medically but felt she needed to complete the healing process by giving back and helping others. Since then, Merle has been a First Connection participant, volunteer for Light The Night, an Ambassador of Hope, and an Honored Hero and mentor for Team In Training. She also fundraised for Walk for a Cure for five years, raising more than $10,000!

Merle completed her first Walt Disney World Marathon with Team In Training in 2008 and has participated each year since. She has raised $43,000 and has inspired so many participants to join her in supporting the LLS mission. Being a strong Team in Training mentor to so many participants, Merle has encouraged and motivated participants to cross the finish line and not let anything stop them.

This November Merle will celebrate her 15th year of being cancer free! Her will

and determination to give back is so much like Jason’s. LLS is pleased and honored to name Merle Marquis this year’s Jason Vitale Memorial Award recipient.

Volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

More than one million Americans are battling blood cancers, and every four minutes, a new patient in the United States is diagnosed. Volunteering at LLS is a great way for members of the community to put their talents and energy to work to help these patients and families.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.