Andover native strives to fund medical research in wife's memory

Aug. 10—Mike Mullen is devoted. So devoted, in fact, that the Andover native is diligently working to raise funds — to date about $22,000 — for cancer research in his wife's memory.

Mullen, who now lives in Gloucester, said the money is going to Beth Israel Deaconess Lahey Health. He said the funding amassed after he sent out 591 envelopes to potential contributors. Specifically the funds will be directed to the Ovarian Fund for Juliet Mullen, Mike Mullen's wife.

Mullen said he grieves for his wife every single day since she died March 26, 2021. Part of his grieving includes two visits each week to her grave in a local cemetery.

"Working through a lot of tears, I miss my beloved wife more than the world," he said.

Juliet Mullen died from endometrial cancer at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers at the age of 53.

"My goal is to raise as much money as possible," Mullen said. "I never set a dollar goal."

Also remembering Juliet are her sister and family from Uganda, who plan to visit Gloucester for a special Mass to be held Oct. 15 at Our Lady of Good Voyage.

Mullen moved to Gloucester in 2013 after having spent most of his life in Andover.

"My message to others who have relatives or a wife with cancer is to cherish all the days you have with them," Mullen said. "Pray hard for them and never give up."

Donations can be made in honor of Juliet Mullen by donating to Beth Israel Lahey Health at bidmc.org/give (choose "other" and write in Ovarian Fund or Juliet Mullen) or by phone, 617-667-7330.

Contributions may also be mailed to: Beth Israel Lahey Health, Office of Philanthropy, Att: Marie Santos, 330 Brookline Ave. (OV), Boston, MA 02215

Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@northofboston.com.