Mary Bernowski’s husband, Robert, spent 22 years in the Air Force.  In that time, the couple moved to numerous locations including the Philippines, Alaska, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and raised five children – four boys and one girl.  In 1978, when Robert retired, they moved to Licking County to be close to family.  Mary was raised in Flushing, Ohio, about 70 miles from Newark.  She spent over 20 years at JC Penney in the Accounting office before retiring as the Associate Office Head.

The family has grown and now includes 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  Two of her sons live in Central Ohio.  One son now lives in Texas, another in Georgia, and her daughter lives in Arizona.  Her children and grandchildren all visit her regularly.  “I am very blessed knowing they are there for me,” Mary said.

Since moving to Newark, Mary has relied on Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) for her medical needs.  She often visits her primary care physician, Nishi V. Naik, M.D., of Licking Memorial Internal Medicine, and the Licking Memorial Medication Clinic to monitor her anti-coagulation medications.  Several years ago, Mary was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and referred to pulmonologist Emilia N.U. Anigbo, M.D.

COPD refers to a group of progressive lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, and often develop slowly but worsen over time.  COPD can prevent the ability to complete routine activities.  A pulmonologist specializes in the respiratory system, from the windpipe to the lungs, and often employs lung therapies for patients diagnosed with COPD.

Mary has been working with Dr. Anigbo to control the symptoms of COPD.  She suffers from emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which requires the use of several different inhalers and full-time oxygen.  

“I am so grateful for Dr. Anigbo.  I was barely able to manage my condition, but with the tools she has given me, I am able to quickly pull through a breathing episode.  It is wonderful,” Mary said.  “I have been to many physicians.  Oftentimes, when you have a number of medical issues, the healthcare provider only focuses on treating the illness associated with their specialty.  But a remedy for one disease may exacerbate another medical problem,” Mary shared.  “While Dr. Anigbo’s specialty is focused on the lungs, she does more than treat lung disease.  She sees me as a whole person and treats me.  She is careful to consider the other medications and treatments I am undergoing to ensure the best overall results.  Her empathy and knowledge assists in making me comfortable and at ease.”

After a car accident, Mary had to be taken to a Columbus hospital for trauma to her chest.  She suffered a punctured lung when her chest slammed into the steering wheel.  A punctured lung occurs when air collects in the space between the two layers of the tissue lining causing pressure and preventing the lungs from expanding.  Upon her release, Mary visited again with Dr. Anigbo for treatment.

“Dr. Anigbo worked with me to rehabilitate my lungs and get me back on course,” Mary said.  “It has not been easy, but she is so kind and pleasant to me.  I cannot say enough about the good work she does.”

Mary does her best to remain active.  She experiences good days and bad, but keeps a positive attitude and sense of humor.  

“As I age, I just keep adding physicians and specialists to my list,” Mary commented.  “When I have an appointment at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), I enjoy visiting the Main Street Café and Main Street Coffee.  I tell all my friends, the Café has the best cheeseburger in town.”  

Right now, Mary is working to construct her family’s history to share with her growing family.  “We just keep expanding,” she joked.  “We could create a whole country ourselves.”  In addition to tracing the family’s ancestry lines, she is also working to digitize photos and other memories.