It is with great sadness that METAvivor announces the passing of one of our Board members, Marlene King. Marlene was a dedicated volunteer who was a passionate educator and advocate for breast cancer patients. Her grace and spirit will be greatly missed.
Marlene was initially diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer (DCIS) in April 2008 at the age of 48. She first had a lumpectomy, followed by a double-mastectomy, breast reconstructive surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. After years of keeping the cancer at bay, Marlene was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in July 2012.
Marlene served as METAvivor’s Atlantic Region Ambassador, and she shared her personal health story in The Baltimore Sun and on various local television news programs. In addition to her work with METAvivor, she served as secretary for the Baltimore chapter of the Sisters Network, a national, African-American breast cancer survivorship organization, and was certified by the American Cancer Society as a Breast Health Educator. She also volunteered with The American Red Cross and The American Heart Association. Marlene was retired from the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, where she was an Executive Administration Coordinator.
Marlene was married to her husband, Eric King Sr., for over twenty-eight years. She is survived by her husband, their three sons, Eric II, Bryant and Aston, their granddaughter Taylor, and their grandson Xavier.
