Maralee Caruso

Maralee Caruso, news anchor with CTV Winnipeg for over 23 years, has used her platform to support numerous causes in Winnipeg. However, her passion for blood donations took on new meaning in 2011 when her mother was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer.

Maralee witnessed firsthand the lifesaving impact of blood transfusions. Her mother’s health would dramatically transform after each transfusion, allowing her to live a high-quality life for five additional years.

Deeply moved by this experience, Maralee partnered with Canadian Blood Services and launched the Hero in You campaign in 2018 to honour her mother’s memory. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations and her personal story resonated with viewers.

Inspired by her mother and the countless lives saved by donors, Maralee continues to advocate for blood and plasma donations and stem cell registrants, giving families like hers precious time and memories.