'The Marlene Harris and Ride Cincinnati Lobby' Named at Barrett Center

CINCINNATI—The lobby of the Center for Women's Cancer, located on the third floor of the UC Health Barrett Cancer Center, has officially been named "The Marlene Harris and Ride Cincinnati Lobby."

The announcement was made during a private event on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The lobby is named in memory of Marlene Harris who passed away in 2005 at the age of 61 after battling breast cancer for 15 years. Before she passed away, her husband Harvey Harris, DDS, made a promise to raise money to help fight the disease. Being an avid cyclist, he along with other family members and friends formed the Marlene Harris Ride Cincinnati fundraising event in 2007.

Each year, proceeds from the bike ride go to researchers at the UC Cancer Institute to further support studying ways to target and treat breast cancer.

"To date, we have given the university $1,657,000 which has turned into 37 research grants chosen by our committee," Harris says. "The breast cancer research grants from various departments have been making significant impacts with their novel science over the past 10 years at the UC Cancer Institute. 

"The ride, which includes all family members with various cycling skills, also continues to be successful. This past year we had over 2,200 riders, and we raised $330,000. Our ride now has become a citywide event. Currently, we are the third largest charitable cycling event in Ohio. With the naming of the lobby, it is just one more way we are paying tribute to my wife and showing our dedication in the fight against breast cancer."

"We are so grateful to the Harris family and the organizers of Ride Cincinnati for their incredible contributions to the institute and the university over the years," says William Barrett, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the UC College of Medicine, director of the UC Cancer Institute and UC Health radiation oncologist. "It's dedicated partners like the Harris family that are helping us make strides to overcome this horrific disease. We're honored to have them as partners in our efforts."  

"We are so grateful to the family and friends of Marlene for creating such a meaningful tribute in her memory," says UC Foundation President Rod Grabowski. "The money raised from this incredible annual event has helped fund significant cancer research at the UC Cancer Institute and the University of Cincinnati, and we are thrilled to honor and celebrate the remarkable work of everyone involved."

"UC Health is honored to place the name of Marlene Harris and Ride Cincinnati within our Barrett Cancer Center," adds Richard Lofgren, MD, UC Health president and CEO. "A space of healing for so many people who are fighting cancer is deserving of a name and movement that's inspired so much generosity and hope."

"We are so honored to name this space in honor of the Marlene Harris Ride Cincinnati event. The work of Marlene's husband, her family members and her friends is an inspirational reminder of the tremendous impact that can result when someone takes action to make a difference," says UC Interim President Beverly J. Davenport, PhD.