Supporting Marion Cancer Patients From the Heart

When it comes to facing a cancer diagnosis -- Marlene Renick knows two things are true. 

You don’t have to put your life on pause. 
You don’t have to face it alone. 

Renick is a patient at OhioHealth’s Marion Cancer Center. She’s also now the leader of a group of women from the Marion Senior Center. 

The one thing that brings this group together: laughter. And that laughter is infectious. 

It started out as a reading club nearly 10 years ago. Originally, it wasn’t Renick’s plan to become the leader of the group. 

Eventually though, the group needed a new leader – and Renick stepped up. Leading a group with more than a dozen members seems like it could be a lot of work. But Renick didn’t think twice about it. 

“I wanted to join this group to read, meet, and connect – but there was an interest from the group in making it something more,” Renick said. 

Today the group is called: Books, Balance & BS. They still read books, but they’ve expanded to include more. They now work in doing some low-impact exercises (with Renick’s experience teaching Tai Chi). But the BS part? Some might assume it stands for Bible study. But – they say it’s up for your interpretation. And knowing their sense of humor, it just makes sense. 

Their main mission is to raise money to support causes they care about. They do this all year long. Most recently – their mission included a visit to the Marion Cancer Center. 

Since Renick’s diagnosis, the group has rallied around her. They have literally worn their hearts on their sleeves – by making T-shirts to show support. 

“I used to be a shy person – but not anymore. This group of women is unique. They are truly an amazing group. We discuss everything – but we are focused on things that make us happy. We are here to have fun and support each other. It works well,” Renick said. 

They also recently held a raffle and collected $500. With that money, they wanted to purchase additional T-shirts – ones that have easy port access -- to give to chemo patients. 

In late July, a check presentation was held at the Marion Cancer Center– for OhioHealth to be able to purchase the special T-shirts. It was a fun moment for all involved. 

“They are the sweetest group of ladies,” said Lucinda Pfeifer, Marion Cancer Center program manager. “The laughter, love and support these women brought to the center was so heartwarming. Their gift will help patients feel comforted and cared for.” 

Books, Balance, & BS is more than a club – it’s a community of women who read together, move together, and rally around each other – all while giving back. And together, they are proving there’s power in laughter and connection.