Mary's Story
Why we do what we do.
The Foundation Behind the Foundation
The foundation behind the foundation is Mary's legacy — her children. We are all members and participants in the Mary M. Hess Foundation and all serve on the Board of Directors.
When Mary had her stroke, we were all there for her. We all prayed and we all worked to meet her every need physically, mentally, and spiritually.
This foundation was created and grown from a recognized and long overdue need for change in care and coverage — by not just Medicare, but all providers who find it cheaper and easier to cut off benefits rather than providing the opportunity to maximize recovery.
Goals
Our goals as an organization are two-fold and, we are sure, will be shared by all of our donors.
- 1Immediate GoalRaise funds to assist stroke survivors with the cost of therapy — all 3 disciplines — until recovery has been maximized.
- 2Long-Term GoalEffect change in policy so that Medicare's 100-day benefit and policies of other providers meet the complete needs of policy holders requiring ongoing care, including therapy.
Mary's Journey (Timeline)
Mary's Stroke
Mary Hess suffered a devastating stroke. She was right-side hemiplegic, non-verbal, and incontinent — completely dependent on others for her every need.
Medicare Benefit Expires
Medicare Part A's 100-day benefit period expired. At the time, physical therapists had Mary standing weight-bearing on both feet with assistance — great progress that was about to be interrupted.
Fighting for Continued Care
After moving to a new facility, the family sought out the nursing home best qualified to meet Mary's needs. Therapy was restarted three separate times through persistent advocacy, including getting Medicare involved to explain Part B cap extensions.
A Moment of Hope
The therapy director was amazed at Mary's response to treatment. Mary was moving her right leg on her own — a remarkable sign of recovery. The very next day, therapy was discontinued because it could no longer be "justified."
Mary Passes Away
Mary Hess passed away due to complications unrelated to her stroke. She was 82 years old. Until the day of her stroke she was very healthy, on no medications, a breast cancer survivor, and a fighter.
Her Legacy Lives On
The ultimate goal of the Foundation is to assist stroke survivors with the cost of therapy, and simultaneously improve the quality of life for seniors in nursing homes through enhanced legislation.
She, nor any of us, could have beaten Medicare or the inability of the facility to meet her needs medically, physically, or psychologically. But her story drives everything we do — so that other families don't have to face the same impossible choices.
Help Us Honor Mary's Memory
Every dollar donated goes directly to helping stroke survivors maximize their recovery.
Donate Now