Help for Mark Waters and Family

We never thought the pandemic would affect us so personally. This family has been diligent in wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing since the beginning.  On Thurs Dec 3, my brother Mark unknowingly got exposed to COVID after removing his mask for a photo.  Mark is healthy with no underlying conditions.  By Sunday night he was ill and tested positive the next day. He spent a week in bed trying hard not to get worse. He was really struggling to breathe, so Monday the 14th he was taken to the hospital, where he’s been ever since. 2 weeks in COVID isolation, and because his condition worsened, now 6 days intubated and sedated in the ICU.  3 weeks in the hospital so far, with no end in sight.  The picture above shows the oxygen mask he had to wear in the 1st/2cd weeks. 
 
My sister Martha came from Ohio and I came from Colorado and will be here for as long as needed to help Claudine and our nephew Avery. They were exposed by Mark and tested positive as well.  Fortunately, Avery had no symptoms and Claudine’s were manageable and she has recovered.  Mark is being well taken care of. Claudine talks to his nurses and doctors every day.  Any little sign of improvement gives us the encouragement we need to get through the next few hours. It’s definitely a rollercoaster of emotions.
 
The amount of love, prayers and PMA that are being sent out to Mark is overwhelming.  On Thurs, we were able to see him via a “zoom” meeting and we told him how much he is needed by his son and wife, his family and the people that love him. Even sedated, a person can still hear what is said, so we have hope that letting him know just how many people care about him will help him to heal and fight to get better. We all know the world needs Mark and he still has work to do.
 
Claudine has taken a leave from her job. Mark is self employed. Without the normal income coming in, there will be a shortage to cover the usual household expenses-mortgage, utilities, food, phone, etc. 
Fortunately, Mark has medical insurance to help,  but as we all know, there will be thousands of dollars in costs that won’t be covered. There are just so many unknowns, both financial and medical. The hospital, doctors, then home care and months of recovery-all these costs will be staggering. 
 
We’re trying to give Claudine the ability to not worry about the everyday and medical expenses.  I know this past year has been horrendous, with so many of our friends out of work or having their businesses shut down. I’m humbly asking you to consider donating.  It’s enough for this family to be enduring what they are, but to ask her to worry about how she’s going to survive financially is an unbearable thought.
 
So many people have asked how they can help. If your circumstances allow it and you’re able to contribute, there are no words to explain just how grateful we are.  If not, the best thing you can do for Mark is to Wear a Mask. Social distance. Stay home and please, consider sharing this.
 
Please keep the prayers and good thoughts coming.  You have no idea how much they are appreciated.