My Life

By:  Mary Gearhart

My name is Mary Gearhart.  I was born with cerebral palsy.  I have lived in Oakland County all my life.  I lived with my parents until their deaths and have had help from Family Independence Agency for my personal care for over twenty years.  I then searched for more help and found MORC.  They have given me help in providing me hours for getting me out in the community. 

After my dad passed away, my neighbor, the love of my life, agreed to move in with me so I would not have to go into a nursing home.  For this, I am truly thankful. 

I am involved in many activities.  I love to go shopping, go to dinner, libraries, art institutes, visit people in nursing homes and other places. 

I have graduated from Speechcrafters, a class that taught me to speak in front of people and to share my life with people who need information about to have a life of their own rather than being in a nursing home or other institutions. 

I am a new advocate in the community and would love to hear from people from all walks of life.  My intention is to help people make the best life that they can for themselves.

My e-mail address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .