A decade ago, Marie Cavaleri Petrilli, a 39-year-old mother of two, died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Marie’s family and friends created a foundation in her memory to help others faced with a cancer diagnosis. Most of the foundation’s gifts have come to the Mass General Hospital Cancer Center. The first donations benefited patients and caregivers on Ellison 14 at Mass General, the bone marrow transplant unit where Marie was treated for 15 months.
In gratitude for the expert, compassionate care that Marie received, the fund sponsors an annual award that recognizes two oncology nurses for their exemplary service. Marie’s fund also renovated the unit’s lounge and purchased radios, CD players and refrigerators for every room. In addition, the fund helps patients in financial need with such expenses as transportation, child care and lodging; and supports the research of Thomas R. Spitzer, MD, director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program.
Marie’s loved ones have held numerous fundraisers that include a silent auction, a five-kilometer road race and a three-mile family walk. “Marie never, ever gave up her will to live,” says Al, Marie’s husband. “We want to give patients — many of whom will beat cancer — the hope she had.”
