Marlene Greenebaum was known for
her kind words and compassion
when speaking to people with
cancer. She and her late husband,
Stewart, made the founding gift to the
University of Maryland Marlene and
Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive
Cancer Center (UMGCCC) in 1996.
Drawing from her own cancer
experience, Marlene brought comfort
to countless patients and their families
over the last two decades.
“She was the embodiment of grace and compassion along her own cancer journey and in how she supported others in theirs,” says Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, chief executive officer of the University of Maryland Medical System.
Marlene passed away last December at the age of 80, leaving behind two children, three grandchildren, and an extensive legacy of giving to UMGCCC. Marlene and Stewart’s passion for advancing cancer care and research lives on through their son, Michael, who serves on the UMGCCC Board of Advisors and the University of Maryland School of Medicine Board of Visitors, and is the cofounder of the annual Maryland Half Marathon & 5K.
In the 2019 race, Michael dedicated the final mile to his mother. Inspirational quotes and photos lined the streets of “Marlene’s Mile,” giving runners an extra boost of encouragement as they headed toward the finish line.
“It was really special to honor my
mom this year,” Michael says. “She was
a wonderful woman who was extremely
passionate about cancer care, research,
and discovery. When she would visit
with cancer patients, I know she made
life a little brighter for them. Her
photos and quotes along the race
course brought a similar feeling to
many of our runners and walkers.”
The 2019 Maryland Half Marathon & 5K attracted more than 1,700 runners and raised a net revenue of more than $375,000 for cancer research, the highest ever raised for UMGCCC. It will benefit groundbreaking research in several areas including lymphoma and leukemia, prostate cancer, and brain cancer.
“The legacy of Marlene Greenebaum is seen every day through our achievements and progress in cancer care,” says Kevin J. Cullen, director of UMGCCC. “Marlene was a dear friend and benefactor who turned her experience with cancer into a mission to help those who suffer from the disease here in Maryland and around the world.”
To make a gift in support of the Greenebaum Cancer Center, please click here.
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