MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie Mission’s annual Walk-A-Mile fundraiser is approaching quickly. Hundreds of people around the city come together and walk for a purpose– hope for hunger, homelessness and to help people in need. Although many people volunteer on this day, one person stands out through their bravery.
Mary Ippel, 76, began volunteering at Muncie Mission around 17 years ago. Upon her arrival, she immediately made her mark with her compassionate personality.
Leigh Edwards, Muncie Mission’s Vice President of Community Engagement, said Ippel is a popular figure at the Mission.
“She’s like everybody’s favorite grandma, I’d say,” Edwards said.
Ippel agrees that her motherly love is shown through her activity in the Mission’s Liberty Street Program.
“They could be my child, that just made bad decisions, so I always come in and think, you could be my kid, so I'm gonna act like your mother,” Ippel said.
Edwards explained that Ippel’s positive energy and consistency in giving back to the community influence the other workers.
“It's pretty hard to be discouraged when you’re around Mary because she has risen above so many challenges,” Edwards said.
Mary has run into many challenges throughout her life. After being diagnosed with severe pancreatitis, Ippel was on the verge of death.
“They told my husband there was nothing they could do after a few days, and he should call the family,” Ippel said.
Prayers flooded in from the family and community for Mary. Soon after that, a miracle happened.
“The surgeon came in and said to my husband, ‘There is one more thing we can do to try to save her life,’” Ippel said.
Ippel was met with yet another barrier, threatening her health even more.
“They had to put me on a lot of medicine that took the blood away from my fingers and my legs,” Ippel said.
That resulted in the amputation of both her legs and several fingers. Ippel was unaware of her life-threatening experience. For two months, Ippel was unresponsive and had no idea her limbs would be amputated.
Ippel’s recovery took a year, and she was preparing to return to the Walk-A-Mile fundraiser. The community could not wait to welcome her back.
“The kids in our youth group at church said we really want to have a team for Mary, they said ‘we’re gonna wear tutu’s and we’re gonna call ourselves Mary’s Merry Marchers,” Ippel said.
Mary’s Merry Marchers is still active today, bringing in numbers for fundraising.
“She has been an active and avid fundraiser for us and has raised probably well over 100,000 dollars,” Edwards said.
For Ippel, giving back to her community benefits her regardless of how much help she provides.
“I’m the one who walks away with a blessing from being here,” Ippel said.
As far as Walk A Mile, Ippel and her marchers will be in attendance. Compared to the first walk after surgery, much progress has been made.
“I was the very last person to finish, but I'm not the last person anymore,” Ippel said.
Ippel is accepting new members, and for any inquiries, reach out to Mary Ippel on Facebook.
The Walk-A-Mile fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, with doors opening at 8 a.m.
Contact Kahmara Munn with comments at kahmara.munn@bsu.edu.
