Support Mary Szabo-Linder's MSA Battle

To fellow classmates, friends, family, and neighbors of Mary Szabo-Linder.

As you may or may not of heard, Mary has been diagnosed by Mayo with MSA (Multiple Systems Atrophy of the Cerebellum.) MSA is an extremely rare condition. It is neurological in nature, causing slow movement, rigid muscles and extremely poor balance. It also causes changes in speech and loss of control of other bodily functions. There is no cure. The condition gets worse over time and eventually leads to death. Mary’s prognosis is an average of 6-8 years with 2 or 3 already used up.

I had the opportunity to visit Mary in August. I have definitely seen her decline. If you know Mary like I know Mary (we were friends since 3rd grade)….she never sits down. She is always going and giving to everybody and everything. In fact, Mary and her family will always stop everything at a moment’s notice to help someone out in need. Recently, I was fortunate to help Mary & Greg pack some boxes for their move to a new ranch home that can accommodate her new needs. It is a big task being that they have lived in there Bensenville home for 40 years. She has a hard time packing due to her limited mobility and her writing is impaired, so I helped with the heavy lifting while Mary sat and wrapped the kitchenware. We had a fun time talking, hugging and laughing along the way. We even found time to play our favorite board game as young girls.

Mary’s COBRA insurance ran out and is now on Obamacare which doesn’t allow her to see her original doctors. She also needs to return to Mayo in Minnesota, for follow-up visits to the MSA clinic, which is all ‘out of pocket’ costs. She has volunteered for a study to help future MSA patients. Mary & her husband have filed for disability but unfortunately that is a 9 month wait just to be evaluated. Getting medical help has truly been a challenge unless you have private care or until you are Medicare eligible.

Mary has good days and not so good days. She always tries to remember how blessed she is. Most of all she needs your prayers. If you can reach out to her with a note or words to keep her looking up, it would be appreciated.

When I shared with some of our fellow classmates about Mary’s condition, it was magical on the outpouring of concern and prayers that was shared on our high school Facebook page. I always believe that God’s will happens in such incredible ways. One comment led to another which led to the suggestion to start a ‘GoFundMe’ for Mary.

If you could help fray the ‘out of pocket’ medical expenses, physical/occupational therapy, as well as any other necessities/products to help her be more comfortable it would be so appreciated. Mary is very grateful for all of your prayers, thoughts and good deeds

Thank you for any donation.

Suzi Ouellette-Savage