Mary Orr

Mary Orr, a retired Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman (HMC Mary Coppola) and a former acupuncturist, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2005 at the age of 46. A case of the flu in 2008 changed her mild Parkinson’s to severe, forcing her to close her acupuncture practice and go on disability. After 8 years of trying all existing Parkinson’s medications, only Sinemet worked for Mary. Now even the Sinemet is no longer working well. Plus, she is not a candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation. Her once vibrant and active life has been reduced to 4 separate one hour or less blocks of time throughout the day in which she must eat, shower, walk, exercise, and attempt activities of daily living. In essence, she is confined to the apartment.

At this time the Sinemet has become unpredictable. When it is not working (which is most of the day), she is either writhing with pain and/or unable to walk, talk, or move. At this point, Stem Cell therapy using her own stem cells is her best hope to regain functionality. Unfortunately, this is very expensive. Mary’s whole life has been about helping others; now she needs help. Through the long ordeal over the years, Mary has remained steadfast in her hope for better quality of life. She often has said to others and believes for herself “Miracles do happen.”

The last 4 years have been incredibly challenging for the Orr’s – emotionally, physically, and financially. I, her husband Michael, have had to reduce my teaching hours to help Mary throughout the day and night, resulting in a significant decrease in income. It is estimated that the StemGenex stem cell therapy and follow-up care will be in excess of $25,000. Costs will include the procedure (including hotel fees before, during, and after the treatment), hyperbaric oxygen treatments afterwards, and much more; none of which is covered by insurance.

To help with the financial burden of Mary’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted non-profit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Southwest Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.

Thank you for your good wishes, prayers, and generosity.

Many Blessings to all.

Michael Orr, Mary’s husband