(TRINIDAD, Colo.) — Throughout the month of March, FOX21 News is honoring Remarkable Women of Southern Colorado. This week, we’re introducing you to Marsy Key.
She works full-time for the Las Animas and Huerfano Counties District Health Department. She serves on several local boards. She is the business manager for her family’s business, Keyco Logistics, and she is working every day to keep Trinidad safe.
“I wanted to nominate Miss Marsy because I think she is one of the most remarkable women that has ever stepped foot in Trinidad,” said Debbie Barry, Marsy’s good friend and colleague.
Ten years ago, Texas gal Marsy Key decided to take on Trinidad.
“The community here, we’re kind of a resource desert, and through Keep Trinidad Safe, we’ve been able to offer some resources that were not available before,” said Key, who is the Executive Director of non-profit, Keep Trinidad Safe.
Keep Trinidad Safe works with about 40 partners, including local government and other non-profits to connect people in the criminal justice system with the help they need.
“The idea was to create a hub where someone could come and receive case management services if they need help, fill in applications for Medicaid or housing, or just point them in the right direction,” Key said.
Key is also working to renovate a home, which Keep Trinidad Safe will use as transitional housing. For this Remarkable Woman, it’s a cause that hits close to home.
“My brother lives in Dallas, Texas, and he’s homeless. He’s an alcoholic, so I grew up with that. My father is an alcoholic also. So, you just want to make it different for somebody else,” said Key.
While helping others face their challenges, she’s also battling one of her own. In 2015, Key was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
“Insomnia is the worst. I don’t sleep, but maybe two hours a night, mobility issues,” Key said. “I have terrible balance. It’s hard to stand still without touching something. I have memory issues. I used to be sharp as a tack. Now I have to write down everything. Some of the lesions in my brain have messed with my short term memory.”
Besides their love for Trinidad, it’s a personal battle Key and Barry share, as Barry’s husband also lives with MS.
“When your teacher becomes your biggest fan, that like I mean, is unheard of to me. She’s everything that I want to be… I was just completely, I’m in awe of her all the time. And here she’s saying the same thing about me. You know, I wouldn’t be here without her,” said Key.
Despite her diagnosis, nothing is slowing Marsy Key down.
“You are just a force to be reckoned with, babe. And you can do it. And you have done it. And you are doing it. And you’re just amazing. I don’t think you even realize how amazing you are,” said Barry.
