Marcelle Mahesh, RNC-OB, has dedicated her life to women’s health. A nurse for 40 years, including 25 at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, she has helped countless women on our Labor & Delivery Unit and in the OB Emergency Department.

Marcelle and her husband, Dr. Vinit Mahesh, a pediatric pulmonologist at North Alabama Children Specialists, have built both a family and a legacy of service in medicine. Married for 38 years, they have raised four children—two sons and two daughters—while balancing demanding careers.

With a history of dense, fibrocystic breast tissue, Marcelle began getting annual mammograms at 30 years old. Each year came with call-backs and ultrasounds, but her mammograms remained clear.

“Every year, I went in nervous as a cat—but every year the call back was expected,” Marcelle recalls.

In April 2023, her annual 3D mammogram appeared normal, and she left relieved. But just a few weeks later, she had a gut instinct she couldn’t shake. Encouraged by Vinit, she requested an MRI. That MRI revealed something her mammogram and ultrasound couldn’t: a 2.7 cm malignant tumor hidden beneath dense breast tissue. It could not be felt on exam, nor detected by traditional screening tools. Within weeks, she began treatment.

Marcelle’s decision was clear. “I want them gone. I am done with this,” she said, choosing a double mastectomy to avoid a rigorous follow-up schedule.

Throughout her journey, Marcelle leaned on the care and compassion of the Huntsville Hospital Breast Center team.

“I never knew what they did until this,” she said. “They prayed with me, sat with my husband during surgery, and walked with me every step of the way. That Breast Center, they have a very special calling.”

With a desire to give back, Marcelle and Vinit are helping ensure North Alabama women have access to advanced breast health resources through a gift to Huntsville Hospital Foundation

“For a lot of people, it comes down to: do I put food on the table, or do I pay the copay for this MRI? That was not part of our decision making, but for a lot of people it is.”

Today, Marcelle is back at work, active and serving as chair of the 2025 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K & Survivors’ Walk. For her, the event is both a celebration and a mission. Funds raised ensure the Breast Center can continue advancing mammogram technology and upgrading critical equipment, making the best possible care available to women in our community.

While Marcelle’s instincts led her to request an MRI, mammograms remain the essential first step for every woman. Advanced technology—like 3D mammography—has greatly improved early detection and diagnosis. Every dollar raised through Ribbon Run makes these advancements possible for patients at Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital Breast Centers.

When asked what being a survivor means to her, Marcelle’s answer is simple: “I’m tough. Yeah. I hit it head on and I am tough.”