Marlene McCarthy

Thirteen years ago, breast cancer survivor Marlene McCarthy co-founded the Rhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition, still the only breast cancer resource center in the state. The group represents women whose voices had previously been ignored in discussions about legislation, health care policy, and education initiatives. Marlene has done a tremendous amount for women not only in Rhode Island, but also throughout the U.S. She is an active member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), whose mission is to eradicate breast cancer through action and advocacy. Marlene has been with the organization since its inception and serves on the NBCC Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She has also testified before the U.S. Congress and participated as a consumer advocate representative at national and international breast cancer meetings. Every Spring, Marlene leads a contingent of women from Rhode Island to Washington D.C. to participate in NBCC’s lobby day, bringing the voices of those affected by breast cancer directly to national decisionmakers. Because of her commitment to breast cancer advocacy, Marlene received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Rhode Island. See: www.ricancercouncil.org/about/members/McCarthy.php.
September 2005