So Mark Can Hear

Hi!  I'm Carl Purvenas-Smith, a full time care-giver and spouse to my partner of 18 years, Mark Brabazon.  On February 28, 2013 Mark had a second stroke which left him paralyzed on the left side.  He was hospitalized at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest and then after a lot of time in the Neurotrauma Intensive Care Unit here was transferred to Redding Rehabilitation Hospital, where he underwent extensive physical, occupational, and speach therapy.

While Mark has been doing well with PT ( he likes to call himself the Gabby Giffords of the Lehigh Valley - since he agrees with her that learning to walk is so difficult), we keep finding things that just aren't covered by his insurance.  Mark has also now developed hearing loss on both sides and needs hearing aids that will cost $2,990.00.  If he were under 19 they'd be covered but not for a 50+ year old.  

The hearing loss is affecting how Mark is able to participate in therapy and all his activities, now and in the future.  Immagine how frustrating it is to not be able to hear conversation or your therapist's directions!  I'm concerned that without the hearing aids, Mark might miss an important warning because someone's voice, or a warning sound, is above or below his hearing range.

We would be so grateful for any help we could get with this campaign to further his rehabilitation and quality of life.   These funds would be used immediately to purchase the hearing aids Mark desperately needs.  Thank you!