Pictured (center) are Alex and Lacy Burd, MaryEllen's son and daughter-in-law, and David Burd, MaryEllen's husband, surrounded by friends and CHI Memorial representatives for the unveiling of MaryEllen Locher Way near the CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga campus
A portion of road leading to MaryEllen Locher Breast Center’s main campus has been designated “MaryEllen Locher Way.” The Chattanooga City Council approved a resolution for the designation on Tuesday. A public works crew arrived on Wednesday to install the sign on Healthy Street between Glenwood Drive and de Sales Avenue by the CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga campus.
MaryEllen’s family and many of her friends joined CHI Memorial and MaryEllen Locher Breast Center representatives to watch the installation and to celebrate. "I think I speak on behalf of all our family, and all our friends here that we're extremely honored and thankful. I know Mom would be happy,” shared Alex Burd, MaryEllen’s son. “I love the name 'Way'... I think it describes the way that she lived her life, and the way we live ours after she's passed."
“MaryEllen was a huge advocate for folks, for other people with breast cancer,” said Janelle Reilly, CHI Memorial market CEO. “She started scholarships for children who had mothers and fathers who had breast cancer. She actually started a program called Hats for Heart that provides hats and wigs for patients who are suffering from breast cancer. And she was an integral part of our own MaryEllen Breast Center.”
MaryEllen was a long-time news anchor at Newschannel 9. She passed away from breast cancer in 2005.
"The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center opened at CHI Memorial in 2007 as an all-inclusive center that allows women to go from a screening mammogram to a complete diagnostic work up in one appointment. While most women will never need the full range of services offered, the few who do will have peace of mind in knowing they are in good hands. The multidisciplinary team of professionals provide the best possible care while minimizing the time from finding a breast concern to diagnosis and treatment," officials said.
The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center has four locations and two mobile coaches. To learn more, visit MaryEllenLocher.com.