For The Love of Mary

Mary is a gifted therapist whose work has touched the hearts of thousands. Specializing in addiction for nearly three decades, her exceptional counsel, humor and warmth have literally saved the lives of hundreds, and changed the course of thousands more. She is living proof that one person can make a difference.

Mary's own life unexpectedly and abruptly changed course in January, 2009. Healthy, active and vibrant, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two weeks later, she had a double mastectomy. A second surgery revealed she has carcinoid syndrome, a neuroendocrine cancer, for which Western medicine has no cure. It had spread through her blood stream to her liver, digestive system, colon and lymph glands.

Mary endured yet another procedure and obtained consultations from across the country. The medical community's prognosis was dismal, and only after the use of extreme radiation and highly toxic chemotherapy drugs.

Alternative treatments, however, have yielded promising results. These treatments replace key peptides and have been proven to shrink many types of cancer tumors. In many cases, it has eliminated the cancer entirely. Mary began treatment in August at the Burzynski Clinic in Houston.

Mary's treatment costs over $10,000 per month and is not currently covered by insurance. The typical treatment regimen lasts 12 months, depending upon results. If her treatment at the Burzynski Clinic is unsuccessful, Mary will pursue another neuroendocrine peptide treatment in India.

Mary is many things to us: friend, colleague, teacher, and mentor; sister, aunt, niece, daughter, wife and mother. But she is one thing to all: an inspiration. She has moved us with her wit and her wisdom, her gusto and her grace.

We are a small group with a big heart, devoted to Mary and dedicated to finding creative solutions to finance her cure.

We invite you to become part of this remarkable woman's life, and our commitment to save it.