Thank you for your help in finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease by being a park of WALK WITH MARY. The event is dedicated to Mary Shrout, and getting to know her will help you understand why your help is so appreciated.

Mary died of complications associated with Parkinson’s Disease on October 29, 2000 after suffering with the disease for twenty years. The wife of Bill Shrout and the mother of a son and two daughters, Mary worked in the obstetrics department as a registered nurse at Lake East Hospital for over 30 years. She loved working with the new mothers and their babies.

Unfortunately her career was cut short by the onset of Parkinson’s Disease. The early stage of Parkinson’s is many times characterized by an uncontrollable shaking of the hands. It is this symptom that caused Mary to retire early. She was fearful that the disease would effect her ability to help her patients in the manner that she was accustomed.

As the disease progressed, an active, caring, outgoing person slowly changed into one with diminishing physical capabilities and a less confident outlook on life. Mary’s family painfully watched as she courageously battled the effects of Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease has a devastating effect on the person with the disease, but it also dramatically affects the family. In Mary’s case, an already close family turned to each other. As difficult as the disease was - and there were many ups and downs - each family member pitched in to provide help. It was a reaction to adversity that Mary had instilled in her children. The family grew closer through the experience.

As you WALK WITH MARY, you can be comforted by the fact that, even though she would be a little embarrassed by the attention, she would truly appreciate you being here. The smile that was so often present would have been reward enough for your efforts!