Don Marrs' Story

"I went into Jefferson City, Missouri, where I met a precious little five-year old boy who was suffering from cancer. A little boy by the name of David. He came to me at the capitol steps and gave me a bouquet of flowers and a couple of candles which represented a group called the "Candlelighters of Missouri." It is an outreach program for young people with cancer. Before I left little David that day, he put his arms around me and gave me one of the most precious hugs I have ever had. I began to see that what I was trying to do was important to other people. And I began to see, too, that I couldn't turn back. I knew that I had to give it my best."

Don Marrs
May 1, 1937-July 16, 1987

Fighting Cancer Every Step of the Way...
Photo of Don Marrs with Willie the Wildcat
   

His footsteps across Kansas created a bond between Manhattan, Kansas, and Cincinnati, Ohio, that grows stronger each day, and the bond is as indelible as time itself.

In 1981, Don Marrs, a letter carrier from Cincinnati, was a special friend of Kansas State University and the Cancer Center. Inspired by the courageous journey of Canadian Terry Fox, Don traveled 2,200 miles across the United States in his personal Marathon of Hope. Diagnosed with cancer in 1980, Don was fighting cancer every step of the way. The goal of Don's trek was TO REACH JUST ONE PERSON, TOUCH JUST ONE LIFE, and carry the flame of hope for other cancer patients by increasing awareness and support for cancer research.

In recognition of Don's achievement, the NAPUS Postmasters
of Kansas established a fund at the Cancer Center. Don
passed away on July 16, 1987, but his legacy lives on through
the "Don Marrs Memorial Cancer Fund" that supports cancer
research and education at K-State. Don's baton continues to
be passed to future generations, as the "Don Marrs Memorial
Cancer Fund" supports two to three Student Cancer Research
Awards each year. Don Marrs's Marathon of Hope will continue
until these diseases are conquered.

Don Marrs was a remarkable man with a truly heroic
life story. His selfless efforts on behalf of others surely
have touched many lives.
Don chats with Willie the Wildcat at
Kansas State University.
Go Back