Attorney Marlon Hill Celebrates Birthday in honor of wife, Carla Hill and Mother-in-Law, Hazel Bethel, Breast Cancer Survivors

Miami – On Saturday, June 3, 2006, Attorney Marlon Hill celebrated his 35th Birthday in a special way at Madiba South African Restaurant in Miami Beach. He collaborated with DJ and radio personality friends in raising over $7,500.00 in funds for the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center that cared for his wife, Carla Hill, over the last year.

Carla, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer after discovering a lump while dressing for a family wedding. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy to treat her stage 2 cancer at the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her mother, Hazel Bethel, is also a 12 year breast cancer survivor.

Marlon A. Hill and Carla G. Hill

Recently, Marlon and Carla Hill made a presentation to the Center of over $5,000.00 raised at the birthday party from over 300 family and friends. Simultaneously, the family also established a designated Fund in the total amount of $2,500.00 with the Dade Community Foundation (Hazel Bethel and Carla Hill Breast Cancer & Organ Donation Awareness Fund) to receive residual donations and to further breast cancer and organ donation awareness. Carla received a kidney transplant from Jackson Memorial Hospital six years ago.

Joe Pena, Dade Community Foundation; Jeanne Bonich-Kushner, UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Lynn Griffin, UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Carla G. Hill; Marlon A. Hill (presenting proceeds of over $7,500.00)

“The incidence of breast cancer among women under age 50 is becoming more common. I wanted to honor Carla for her courage and grace through the treatment, but also to shed light on this epidemic among younger women, especially those of African-American/Caribbean descent. We wanted to send a message in an impactful, but joyous, way to our friends,” stated Marlon A. Hill.

“I am so glad that we could mix such a serious topic with a fun evening. The support from family and friends was emotional, overwhelming, and appreciated,” exclaimed Carla Hill. “I am encouraging young women, especially those with a family history, to get their mammograms earlier than that suggested by the medical community. As a kidney transplant recipient, I know you can beat it,” she noted.

“This permanent charitable fund will have a positive impact on women’s health, today and into the future. It is a great tribute to all breast cancer survivors,” stated Ruth Shack, president of the Dade Community Foundation.

Jeanne Bonich-Kushner, UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Lynn Griffin, UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Carla G. Hill; Marlon A. Hill
presenting check proceeds of over $5,000.00)

The UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center opened as a dedicated, comprehensive cancer center in 1992 and today serves as the hub for cancer-related research, diagnosis, and treatment at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. UM/Sylvester handles more than 1,300 inpatient admissions annually, performs 3,000 surgical procedures, and treats 3,000 new cancer patients.

“UM/Sylvester is excited to work with the Hills to build enthusiasm and support for cancer research and challenged families at South Florida’s only university-based cancer center. Partnering with the Dade Community Foundation further enhances our efforts to build a community united in the search for a cure,” noted Marilyn Emas, Executive Director, UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This fall, Marlon and Carla Hill intend to launch the “Feel Up Yuh Breast” Campaign to encourage outreach and awareness among women of Caribbean descent.