10/15/2025
Marti’s Wish for GI Cancer Fund was established at the MUSC Foundation in 2016 by Mr. Harry Parnell in memory of his late wife, Marti. This fund supports critical research, education and outreach for GI cancers, with special consideration given to research focusing on signet ring cell carcinoma and H. pylori bacteria.
Sadly, Marti passed away 10 years ago today, on October 15th, 2015. Her last wish to her friend, Sunita Patel, and husband, Harry, was to donate time and money to pursue the education of primary care physicians and cancer experts to recognize Signet Ring Cell Cancer.
Harry not only holds his own personal fundraisers, but he also makes annual contributions to the fund through his procurement of rare collectible whiskeys that are auctioned at Hollings’ yearly signature food and wine event, Gourmet and Grapes. He was even honored for his outstanding fundraising efforts and dedication to supporting cancer research in 2023 with the Gourmet and Grapes “Courage in Cancer” award.
Most recently, he collaborated with Hollings’ administration to establish the Marti’s Wish Award, which presented two Hollings scientists $50,000 each for their research projects studying gastrointestinal cancers. Today especially, we celebrate the memory of Marti and all that her last wish and her husband Harry have done for Hollings and other patients. Thank you!
