Walking in memory, marching for a cure

When Neal Lipsitz, of Sutton, Massachusetts, remembers his late wife, Marsha Ovrut, the first words that come to mind are “gentle and loving.” A devoted mother, grandmother and teacher’s aide in the Sutton Public Schools, Marsha dedicated her career to helping children with special needs and cherished time spent with her family, including her two granddaughters who called her “Mimi.”

In 2020, Marsha was diagnosed with lymphoma. Through months of grueling chemotherapy and with steadfast determination, she achieved remission. But just six months later, she faced another devastating diagnosis: leukemia. Despite a valiant fight, Marsha passed away in November 2022 at the age of 69, leaving behind her husband Neal, two children, and many family members and friends who continue to honor her memory.

“Marsha is my superhero given her tough fight against both lymphoma and leukemia,” Neal said. “She really gave it her all, following her doctor’s orders, maintaining a strong attitude and fighting to the finish.”

Marsha’s sister, Melissa Ovrut, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, recalls accompanying her to many of her treatments. 

“You rarely heard a complaint out of her,” Melissa said. “She always had a thank you and a kind word for the staff. When I called to share the news of her passing, the receptionist cried and said, ‘Ms. Marsha was such a nice lady.’ I think that sums it up.”

Today, Neal and Melissa honor Marsha through Marsha’s Marchers, their team at the UMass Cancer Walk, which takes place on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Polar Park. The team raises funds to advance cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, which drives new treatments and approaches to care.

“Treatment continues to improve. Years ago, perhaps Marsha wouldn’t have prevailed over lymphoma,” Neal said. “Cancer research is important to support so that one day all forms of cancer are treatable and everyone will be able to benefit from the new treatments and approaches to care that follow.”

Since Marsha’s passing, Marsha’s Marchers has walked every year. Neal and Melissa express gratitude to the supporters and sponsors of the UMass Cancer Walk. 

“Thank you for your efforts surrounding such an important area of research. Let’s hope that cancer can be wiped out and that everyone will benefit from the advances in medical science and practice that come as a direct result of this essential work,” Neal said.