Marie worked for Ellis Hospital and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital for a combined 34 years, retiring as a Credentialing Coordinator. She was on the Board for the New York State Association for Medical Staff Services. Marie has been an active advocate for the upstate New York Parkinson’s community since her diagnosis 9 years ago in 2013.

For the past 8 years, Marie has been preparing a monthly newsletter for the Capital District and Central NY area. She continues to help get different Parkinson’s specific exercise programs introduced, as well as serving as a support group leader in Saratoga County.

Marie feels that all of her relationships with her Parkinson's friends are now a family that has benefited all of us! She feels that a good support system for all of us – patients, caregivers, and loved ones, is critically important to living well with Parkinson’s. Marie states, “So many wonderful people, have truly become the greatest of friends, not just acquaintances.”

While not helping others, Marie loves to ride her trike, kayak, exercise at the YMCA, play frisbee golf, and many other outside activities. Marie also loves to cook, which usually includes ingredients from her vegetable garden.