 With the onset of World War II, and Parrish' need for medical care, Mary and Parrish returned to the States, where he saw a number of doctors.He ultimately was diagnosed as having Buerger's disease (Thromboangiitis obliterans) — a circulatory system malady that causes extreme thrombosis of the arteries and veins, causing severe pain, and often necessitating multiple amputations.The disease is progressive and there was (and is) no known successful treatment.