Mark Berardi "The Rock"
Donation protected
MARK BERARDI “The Rock”
To those of you who know Mark Berardi and the Berardi family, Mark has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, an incurable, neurodegenerative disease that affects the body’s muscle and nervous systems. Radicava, an infusion medication that was USFDA approved on May 5, 2017, can reduce Mark's rate of functional decline by one-third and ultimately help preserve quality of life, which is incredible, but it costs about $146,000 per year!
Mark continues working so he can have insurance coverage for his medical treatment, but the progressive nature of this disease will force him to retire, leaving the family with substantial medical bills.
Everyone knows someone or has experienced themselves the hardships that come with having to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, so you can imagine what’s needed, not only now, but in the future, for treatment that insurance won’t cover and costs outside of treatment itself.
About Mark:
A South Philadelphia native, Mark graduated from Bishop Neumann High School in 1968 and then Temple
University in 1973. During the Vietnam War, he proudly and patriotically joined the U.S. Army Reserve, serving from 1969 to 1975. In 1977, he met his sweetheart Eileen while working at United Engineers, Philadelphia, and married in 1980. Then, as a dealer, Mark was part of the team that opened Caesars Casino in Atlantic City in 1979. He made a professional move to Tropicana Casino two years later as a supervisor, where he remains a cherished member of the Tropicana family.
As we all know, Mark’s a person who radiates warmth and compassion. He exemplifies kindness, patience, intelligence, humbleness, tolerance and honesty, touching all those he comes in contact with-truly an inspiration! He has a huge heart, doing anything for anybody. His love and deep appreciation for his relationships can be seen in everything, from the caring, undivided attention he gives to all when you’re interacting with him to his long-time involvement in the community.
Mark is a devoted father to Jason and Matthew, arole model to all and a great mentor to kids. He has always cherished their friends and the community’s kids, from childhood to adulthood, and the feeling is certainly mutual! The kids nicknamed him “Rocky” not only because the movie was filmed in South Philadelphia, but because he was tough when he had to be, and always stayed in shape and took good care of himself.
Mark has always been hard-working and providing for his family, including two precious grandchildren, Jayden and Mackenzie. His beautiful daughter-in-law, Alyssa, is due in February 2018, and he is looking forward to meeting his grandson in California.
Although no cure currently exists for ALS, there is hope. Mark and all those who care about him continue having faith and keeping that hope. Mother Theresa once said, “It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Support is something Mark has always been more apt too give than ask for......
Let’s show Mark and his family the same love and support they’ve given their loved ones and community all these years and continue giving every day.
All money raised through this page will go directly to cover Mark’s medical expenses. Any donation, large or small, is an extension of your love and support for which Mark and his family are forever grateful.
To those of you who know Mark Berardi and the Berardi family, Mark has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, an incurable, neurodegenerative disease that affects the body’s muscle and nervous systems. Radicava, an infusion medication that was USFDA approved on May 5, 2017, can reduce Mark's rate of functional decline by one-third and ultimately help preserve quality of life, which is incredible, but it costs about $146,000 per year!
Mark continues working so he can have insurance coverage for his medical treatment, but the progressive nature of this disease will force him to retire, leaving the family with substantial medical bills.
Everyone knows someone or has experienced themselves the hardships that come with having to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, so you can imagine what’s needed, not only now, but in the future, for treatment that insurance won’t cover and costs outside of treatment itself.
About Mark:
A South Philadelphia native, Mark graduated from Bishop Neumann High School in 1968 and then Temple
University in 1973. During the Vietnam War, he proudly and patriotically joined the U.S. Army Reserve, serving from 1969 to 1975. In 1977, he met his sweetheart Eileen while working at United Engineers, Philadelphia, and married in 1980. Then, as a dealer, Mark was part of the team that opened Caesars Casino in Atlantic City in 1979. He made a professional move to Tropicana Casino two years later as a supervisor, where he remains a cherished member of the Tropicana family.
As we all know, Mark’s a person who radiates warmth and compassion. He exemplifies kindness, patience, intelligence, humbleness, tolerance and honesty, touching all those he comes in contact with-truly an inspiration! He has a huge heart, doing anything for anybody. His love and deep appreciation for his relationships can be seen in everything, from the caring, undivided attention he gives to all when you’re interacting with him to his long-time involvement in the community.
Mark is a devoted father to Jason and Matthew, arole model to all and a great mentor to kids. He has always cherished their friends and the community’s kids, from childhood to adulthood, and the feeling is certainly mutual! The kids nicknamed him “Rocky” not only because the movie was filmed in South Philadelphia, but because he was tough when he had to be, and always stayed in shape and took good care of himself.
Mark has always been hard-working and providing for his family, including two precious grandchildren, Jayden and Mackenzie. His beautiful daughter-in-law, Alyssa, is due in February 2018, and he is looking forward to meeting his grandson in California.
Although no cure currently exists for ALS, there is hope. Mark and all those who care about him continue having faith and keeping that hope. Mother Theresa once said, “It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Support is something Mark has always been more apt too give than ask for......
Let’s show Mark and his family the same love and support they’ve given their loved ones and community all these years and continue giving every day.
All money raised through this page will go directly to cover Mark’s medical expenses. Any donation, large or small, is an extension of your love and support for which Mark and his family are forever grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Patti Meunier
Organizer
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Eileen Berardi
Beneficiary