An Alumna’s Journey to Empower Others with Autoimmune Diseases
Saint Louis University alumna Melissa Marquis (GRAD PH ’09) faced the daunting challenge of unexplained and relentless pain that overshadowed her life for almost 15 years. Despite often feeling isolated and invisible as she sought a diagnosis and battled confusing symptoms, however, she turned her suffering into strength.
Drawing from those experiences and her expertise as a registered nurse of 25 years and a public health professional of 17 years, Marquis identified a critical void in patient-centered resources. Motivated to address this need, she authored "Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient’s Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease" in 2024. The book guides individuals with autoimmune diseases on making lifestyle changes, advocating for their needs in health care settings and collaborating effectively with their care teams.
“Invisible is as much a heartfelt memoir as it is an educational toolkit,” Marquis said. “Since I am a caregiver and fixer by nature — and because I can no longer work at the bedside — this is how I can continue to help: by educating and supporting others on similar paths.”
Her pursuit to uncover the cause of her symptoms began in 2008 and included countless visits to various specialists. After a decade of perseverance, Marquis was diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Three years later, she learned she also had scleroderma, a rare systemic autoimmune disease capable of impacting the skin and internal organs. During her search for answers, she developed a profound understanding of the complex challenges associated with navigating multiple health hurdles that often go undetected, she said.
Service and Public Health as a Way of Life
SLU came into Marquis’s life at a pivotal time. Even as her health conditions were emerging, she wanted to advance her career. She felt torn between staying in nursing and transitioning into an emergency management-focused field, she said, but SLU’s master’s in public health program captivated her attention as the only accredited Catholic, Jesuit school of public health in the nation.
“I chose SLU for two reasons: First, the University’s ethical values align with mine,” she said. “Secondly, the degree program was fully virtual, and the curriculum and career options were what I wanted. I appreciated the small class sizes, which allowed me to interact closely with other students, and the professors were very knowledgeable and accessible.”
Marquis graduated in 2009 with a Master of Public Health degree and a concentration in biosecurity and disaster preparedness. Her SLU education equipped her well for her life of service and led to an offer to teach at the University, she said. Although the timing did not work out, she remains grateful for the invitation.
Since I am a caregiver and fixer by nature — and because I can no longer work at the bedside — this is how I can continue to help: by educating and supporting others on similar paths.”
Melissa Marquis (GRAD PH ’09)
“With Melissa’s background in nursing, she was an ideal student to pursue training in public health,” said College for Public Health and Social Justice Dean Leslie McClure, Ph.D. “Her professional experiences are invaluable as she advocates effectively for her own well-being and that of others.”
Marquis extends her passion for giving back and uplifting others in her roles serving on the boards of directors for the Steffens Scleroderma Foundation and the Degos Disease Foundation, co-facilitating a scleroderma support group for the National Scleroderma Foundation Tri-State Chapter in Connecticut, volunteering with the state’s Medical Reserve Corps for the past 17 years and being involved with her church community.
Her message to those managing debilitating health conditions is clear: “You are NOT invisible. Be empowered!”
“My journey is not done,” she wrote in "Invisible." “I’m sure there are many more hills to climb and valleys to walk through. One thing I know is that as long as I have breath in my lungs, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for people like us … I want you to live your best life and pay it forward to others who need the help. Onward we fight!”
Do you know a SLU alum who deserves a spotlight? Let us know! Email alumni@slu.edu.