A Manitowoc woman is gearing up for a medical outreach trip to Bolivia.
Mary Virlee’s trip to El Torno, March 21st through April 4th, was made possible by a partnership between Send Health and Medical Ministry International.
The two-week mission will provide general surgery, primary care, dental services, and health education to underserved communities in the San Carlos/Buena Vista region.
In 2017, Mary stepped away from her teaching career to become the full-time caregiver for her husband, Dave.
Following his passing in 2019, Mary faced her own medical battles — including hospitalization for sepsis and a diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
After weeks in the ICU, extensive rehabilitation, additional surgeries, and radiation treatments, Mary committed to rebuilding her strength.
She began physical therapy with Dr. Liz Wergin at Juniper Strength & Recovery Studio in Manitowoc and later transitioned into personal training with Colleen Burke as part of her continued recovery.
In fall 2025, Mary was recognized at Juniper for successfully transitioning from physical therapy to personal training — a milestone that symbolized not just recovery, but renewed purpose.
For years, Mary has supported Send Health by sewing medical supply bags, hosting donor events, and organizing raffles to support surgical patients in Bolivia.
Now, she hopes to serve in person.
The team will host a public packing party on March 9th, where medical supplies will be organized and prepared for travel.
