Tryon resident Mary Meyers and Dr. Allan Kroland of Landrum are the inspiration for the musical variety show Mary Meyers and Friends featuring special guest Emile Pandolfi, to be presented at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) on April 5th at 4 o’clock.

The proceeds from this event will be used to help make life manageable for the over 5000 individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, their families and friends, who live in the Upstate and the foothills of North Carolina.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, debilitating neurological condition for which there is no cure. Over the years there has been much medical research, which will in time bring the cure, but what about those who are suffering in the meantime? April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Allan Kroland and Mary Meyers are shining examples of those who have received the devastating diagnosis, yet have lived life to the fullest and made a difference in their communities in spite of a chronic condition which just does not get better.

“I was only 49 when the diagnosis of Parkinson’s was given to me and felt that I needed to retire and stay at home,” said Allan, and his flourishing chiropractic practice came to a crashing halt.

Well, he did not wait too long before inspiration from Parkinson’s patients Michael J. Fox and Janet Reno stirred him into action. M.J. Ryan’s pithy comment, “Attitude is the only disability!”, from the book Attitudes of Gratitude, caught Allan’s attention. He began to realize that he already knew how to help people who were in pain and suffering.

Thus began Allan’s life of service in many ways, from organizing events such as Mary Meyers and Friends, to serving on boards and educating the Parkinson’s community and the public about ways to improve quality of life when Parkinson’s strikes.

Allan’s doctor asked him what might seem like an off the wall question: “Do you play a musical instrument?”

“I used to play percussion instruments,” replied Allan.

“Well,” said the doctor, “You just might want to pick up your sticks again.”

A jazz band of musicians with Parkinson’s, including Allan on drums, will perform at the April 5th event at TFAC.

Mary Meyers, a well known figure in Tryon, moved here with her husband, the late Robert Linder, a little over five years ago after over 50 years of singing, which included almost as many years teaching singing and 25 years at the Metropolitan Opera (The Met).

“Mary Meyers never tires!” That’s what everyone at the Met said. Mary did not just sing, she encouraged her colleagues and made a special effort to take newcomers under her wing and soothe their debut jitters. “Just go out there and have a blast!” Mary was so involved in her life and work that she did not see what others saw.

“People began asking me if I was OK and I did not know what they were talking about. I was walking slower but had not noticed and felt fine.” Mary was told that she had Parkinson’s Disease on an afternoon in 2005 between a rehearsal and an evening performance at the Met and did not feel scared. “My Uncle George had Parkinson’s and what I remember is that he became nicer, sweeter, and quiet.”

“I went to my dressing room and told my friend ‘I have Parkinson’s,’ and her face went white. ‘What are you going to do?’ she asked me. I could not think of anything other than to continue going about my business as usual, so that’s what I did.”

Mary continued at the Met for about two more years. “When I came to Tryon, I could do everything. A friend had told me that Parkinson’s is a really mean disease, but I did not understand what she meant. Now I understand what she meant. My voice has been taken away from me, which is the most valuable thing I ever had. My voice was my whole identity. It is much more difficult to move around and I can no longer drive.”

In spite of all this, Mary is seen around town frequently and is happy to be able to get out and do things. “Otherwise I’d just be sitting around this house getting fat or something!” she says with a chuckle.

Mary has voice students, plays bridge regularly, and is an active member of the Foothills Music Club, the Carolina Community Chorus and the Tryon Little Theatre. She also gives of herself to raise funds for Parkinson’s research and for Parkinson’s support and education.

Both Allan and Mary will appear on the program on April 5th along with some of her friends and neighbors both from The Met and in Tryon.

You are invited to enjoy an afternoon of classical, jazz and popular music, and at the same time make it possible for Parkinson’s patients in our local area to Never Walk Alone.

For more information, call Elizabeth Gardner at (828) 859-6751.

 

– article submitted 

by Elizabeth Gardner