The mercy medical angels logo is blue and white

Marsha: An Unlikely Fighter

May 1, 2019

Not Like the Others

When you think of a fighter, what comes to mind? Some might think of hulking wrestlers or skilled martial artists. Others might think of those who serve in the military. Still others might think of activists. But sometimes a fighter isn’t who you’d expect. Instead of being physically formidable, they’re small. Instead of putting on a fearless face, they need reassurance. One of these unlikely fighters is Marsha.

Marsha seems pretty average when you speak with her on the phone. She loves animals, especially parrots. At her church, she’s a pianist – and can also play violin, harpsichord, keyboard, and twelve-bass accordion. She works for a private investigator from home, helping with background checks and finding information on cases. But when the small talk turns to deeper conversation, her story sounds like a real-life legend.

The Battle Begins

In 2008, one of Marsha’s parrots attacked her. The parrot mauled her face, and Marsha needed to go to the doctor. However, the malpractice laws in Florida made it difficult for her to get adequate treatment. Marsha’s normally easy-going tone turns irritated when she describes the problems. “Doctors have to have all these credentials. If they don’t, a patient can call the police.” She also mentions that malpractice insurance isn’t mandatory. This makes it difficult to file a lawsuit.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, her teeth started feeling unnaturally loose, like they were about to fall out. “I was bleeding for weeks,” Marsha explains. “Eating was nightmarish.” Not wanting to deal with another disaster in Florida, she looked for help in other states. “Trying to pay for airfare was a huge burden,” she continues. “I needed a helping hand.”

Alliance with Mercy Medical Angels

The “helping hand” came just in time. Around midnight, Marsha received a call from Mercy Medical Angels. They had been up all night finding transportation from Florida to New York and had to let her know.

“They’re miraculous,” Marsha says with relief in her voice. “It’s very calming to know the airfare is taken care of.” The next morning, Marsha flew out of the Sunshine State – and once in New York, found a different kind of sunshine.

Getting Help

First, Marsha needed to have the botched face operation corrected. Her dental problem was much more difficult to remedy. Marsha has dental anxiety, which is almost like PTSD. She also gets sensory overload from dental treatment, which only adds to her anxiety. Many dentists don’t understand what she’s going through, or rely on sedation in hopes she’ll sleep through it. The lack of understanding only makes it worse.

Luckily, the dentists Marsha found have a softer side. They don’t rush and they explain everything. Sometimes she needs to talk something out, and the dentists give emotional support. If the chair feels uncomfortable, pillows and blankets are provided. “Sometimes it’s like a spa,” Marsha says through a laugh.

When it came to fixing Marsha’s teeth, the dentists had to make special tools. Not only is she shorter than average, she also has a very small mouth. “What they had to do wasn’t in the textbook,” Marsha says. Textbook or no textbook, they managed to save most of her teeth.

Fighter at Heart

Aside from her dental anxiety, Marsha also has a number of other conditions. Some are physical – such as alopecia. Her hair might have fallen out, but she makes the best of it. She owns wigs in all the colors of the rainbow, and matches them to her outfits. It keeps a smile on her face – and makes others smile too. She states an often-overlooked point: “If you look better, you feel better.”

When asked how she deals with her challenges, Marsha’s answer is simple. However, the simplicity holds strength. “I take it as it comes. Every day is precious.”

Share this story with others.

Share your thoughts about this story.

Read More Patient Stories

By Stephanie Singer March 31, 2025
A memorial tribute to John Billings, by Stephanie Singer.
By Stephanie Singer March 28, 2025
She survived breast cancer, but the treatments affected her health and quality of life. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Family Foundation helped her.
Brain surgery patient after receiving charitable flights to medical care
By Stephanie Singer March 27, 2025
Read how a brain surgery patient accessed a needed neurology follow-up, thanks to charitable flights from Mercy Medical Angels... in her own words.
Nevin Showman (left) and Capt. John Billings (right) in front of their plane, 49Bravo.
By Stephanie Singer March 7, 2025
Read a heartfelt letter from Nevin Showman, one of our volunteer pilots, about how he's continuing Capt. John Billings' legacy.
By Stephanie Singer February 27, 2025
InsightsCare.com recently published an interview with our President and CEO about Mercy Medical Angels.
Woman with rare stomach cancer after receiving care at MD Anderson and University of Miami
By Stephanie Singer February 19, 2025
She was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer that only a few doctors in the country could effectively treat. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped her access the care she needed.
Man with two cancers after receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston thanks to volunteer pilots
By Stephanie Singer February 17, 2025
Read the story of a man suffering from cancer, who received distant care thanks to volunteer pilots... in his own words.
Woman with cancer who received treatment at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 15, 2025
Her best shot at beating cancer was at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. But she couldn't afford the cost of driving there... until Mercy Medical Angels stepped in.
Cancer patient after receiving treatment at Cleveland Clinic, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 13, 2025
Read the story of a cancer patient who's winning her battles with help from charitable ground transportation... in her own words.
Man with multiple myeloma after receiving care, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 11, 2025
He was battling multiple myeloma, but couldn't afford the long drives to access treatment. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped him.
More Posts
Share by: