2004 Media Reviews

Mary's Walk, now in its sixth year, was described as “old home day,” last weekend as nearly 2,000 people from across the state converged on Saco to remember a woman named Mary.

Mary Kerry Libby was well-liked and well-known around this small York County town. Mary was known for her wide smile and cheerful personality. She could be seen almost everyday walking from her home on Ross Road, down Main street, to the center of town and back again. She waved and smiled, everybody seemed to know her.

Mary had everything. She was married to former York County District Attorney, Gene Libby. They had four healthy children and went about their daily lives grateful and happy, until cancer struck in the summer of 1996. Mary was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (Burkitts lymphoma) in July 1996. Eight months later Mary died at the age of 44.

Her husband of 27 years and four children were crushed.

Her extended family and immense circle of friends and admirers were all devastated by the loss.

Two years after Mary's death, her family and friends turned their grief into something positive by organizing a memorial walk in honor of Mary.

Sunday, March 14, marked the sixth annual Mary's Walk. Nearly two-thousand people re-traced the route Mary used to walk. As always, the walk was held on the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day, in recognition of the Kerry's Irish heritage. It also falls a week after the anniversary of Mary's death.

Mary's Walk has become a state-wide event.

Governor John Baldacci was on-hand during the opening ceremonies. Baldacci is also a close friend of the Kerry family and has been involved in Mary's Walk even when he was Congressman Baldacci.

“It's a wonderful event in Mary's memory and we're sending a loud message,” Baldacci said. “That message being, that we need to find a cure for cancer.”

Mary's Walk has raised more than a $250,000 since 1999. The money raised during the one-day event goes to The Maine Cancer Foundation, an organization committed to cancer research and education.

Kim Block, anchor of WGME News 13, has been honorary chair of Mary's Walk for several years. Block said the event has always been very personal for her.

“My father died twelve years ago of pancreatic cancer,” she said.

Block said she never met Mary, but wished she had.

Mary Kerry was the youngest of six children. Her mother Grace Kerry, was the town librarian for more than a quarter century. Her four older brothers own the popular Kerrymen Pub. Along with the memorial walk, Mary's brothers resurrected the Kerrymen Pub Road Race, which was a popular event in the 1980s.

“This is a wonderful, great tribute to our sister Mary,” said Mary's brother, John Kerry. “They are sharing in our sorrow and joy,” he said. “Mary had so much joy and hope and everyone comes here because of that.”

Mary had just one sister, Ann Kerry, who lives at Willard Beach in South Portland.

Ann Kerry arrived at Sunday's event with her mother, Grace, on her arm. At 94-years-old, Grace Kerry is thankful for the event that remembers her daughter.

“It's outstanding,” she said of the crowd that gathered at Thornton Academy before the walk.

“It's a wonderful tribute to Mary,” Grace Kerry said. “I'd like to thank all of the people for doing so much. I'm sure Mary would be very proud.”

Ann Kerry said her sister was a shy lady. She said Mary would probably be embarrassed with all of this attention.

“She was so humble, she wouldn't like all this fanfare,” she said.

Still Ann Kerry said her sister would be the first in line to walk for a good cause.

“It really is a legacy of love,” Kerry said. “I know she's looking down.”

Gene Libby looked out into the crowd that gathered for the sixth annual Mary's Walk, many of who were wearing t-shirts and hats with the slogan: Slancha, an Irish slang that means “to your health.” Mary had that slogan on her license plate.

“It's amazing to stand up here and see a sea of faces,” Libby said. “This truly is a celebration of life.”

Probably the most poignant moment of the event was a short speech from Addie Myrick, a 25-year-old cancer survivor. Myrick is a family friend of the Libby's and knew Mary well. Myrick was diagnosed with malignant melanoma back in September. Through tears she told the crowd how much this event means to her.

“In the short time frame of six months, I have been diagnosed with cancer, undergone surgery to remove cancer and become a survivor,” she said.

The young woman said she gains strength by educating others. Myrick used the opportunity to educate the crowd about the dangers of sunbathing.

“This summer, try not to sunbathe during peak sun hours. Before the prom or tropical vacation you have planned, don't use the tanning beds.”

When all the numbers were counted, Mary's Walk 2004 raised $115,000. Last year's Mary's Walk raised $100,000.