Mary's story, Community Volunteer

September 26,2019

by Robin McGowan

I met Mary at a fundraiser for Envision Proven Success. We rode the same para transit van and I offered to help her. Her response was “I’m OK I only had a Stroke”.

Mary attended and graduated from Whitehall Yearling High School in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating she attended The Ohio State University for Medical Dietetics and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree at The College of Allied Medicine.

Mary worked as a student at Children’s Hospital as a Dietician. She then transferred to Mt. Caramel Hospital in a full-time Dietician position. Mary then obtained a permanent position at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Mary worked there until she suffered an unknown leukoencephlopathy (genetic stroke), where the blood vessels at the base of her spine started bleeding. She was fully aware that this could happen one day and it was happening then. She experienced a massive stroke! She had a DNR (Do Not Resusitate) on her medical record that was never used. She loss full use of her right hand and legs.

These days she's more independent in a powered chair! Mary’s husband, James Powers, son Grant Powers, daughter-in-law Valerie Powers, granddaughters Amelia Rose, 5 years old and Joanne Marie, 1 ½ years old, helped and supported her as she worked hard towards recovery. Others may have given up but, not Mary Hawkins!

She fills her life volunteering and Envision Proven Success had been on her radar from the time McQuetta, our CEO, released her first magazine. Mary said “I saw hope in there”. She volunteers and supports Envision Proven Success and the human trafficking site, "She Has A Name".

Listed below are the places where she volunteers:

Animal Shelter of Ohio

Lifecare Alliance (Meals on Wheel)

Equitas Health

Faith Mission

Marion Franklin Food Distribution

EnVision Proven Success