Conquering Life Support Pneumonia during COVID-19

An Oyster Bay man, Mark Reckert - devoted husband and father of three, contracted a highly aggressive form of the Flu at the beginning of March. He quickly progressed to bilateral pneumonia and was hospitalized days later in respiratory distress. He is now in isolation in the ICU at St. Francis Hospital, NY in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator, also known as Life Support. The hospital is on total lockdown, with visitation strictly prohibited. His family has been unable to see or comfort him for over one week, his entire time in isolation, with little to no indication as to how much longer this will last. He continues to experience high fevers and severe respiratory congestion with fluid in the lungs, all while heavily sedated on Life Support. His condition is guarded.

Anyone who knows Mark, knows that he is a community man. Mark takes great pride living in Oyster Bay. He is known by so many, always out and about, supporting local business, saying hello to each and every face he sees. Mark is a down to earth, simple man. He enjoys fishing and drinking coffee. He is constantly lending a helping hand to those in need. He is extremely handy and a talented craftsman. He is a loving neighbor and friend to all.

The patient works as an independent contractor for over 40 years, hanging wallpaper -- physical labor that will ultimately come to a halt once he, god-willing, recovers from this. Unlike employees, independent contractors do not work regularly for an employer but work as required, and with no work, Mark and the family will suffer tremendously from the profound loss of income and health, along with piling medical bills. Mark is an extremely hard-worker and this will undoubtedly be very difficult for him to accept. He will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.  

His wife, a Materials Manager at Estee Lauder Companies, is working full-time from home while on quarantine, living with her youngest daughter and two older children, both who have lost their jobs working in the restaurant industry, thus unable to fully contribute financially to the extent that is needed. 

This gofundme is set up so friends, coworkers, and the community both locally and globally can have an opportunity to assist the family economically during this trying time both now and in the unknown future. Mark's condition is uncertain, and road to recuperation will be an uphill battle.

This gofundme is solely run by the patient’s eldest daughter. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all contributions no matter the size, every cent is profusely appreciated and will impact our lives signifcantly. We love our father dearly and want him home. Please feel free to reach out for proof of authenticity. Stay healthy and safe.