Mark Bertolino: Medical Expenses

On October 6th, 2023 Mark had a accident on his horse Blacky. He walked home with 5 broken ribs and a partial collapsed lung. He was taken into the hospital and put on two days observation and pain management. His renal system ended up tanking due to the pain meds and lack of hydration. This resulted in Mark going to the ICU on a bipap machine to pull off all the Bicarbonate and CO2 from having a suppressed respiratory system. Then it was confirmed he contracted Pneumonia in the hurt lung. Medications for his infection started once his renal system improved. Next came the chest tube to help pull out the ‘gunk’ in his lung. Then to follow that it would be confirmed that he had contracted staph and would need medication for that. During the first day or so it was decided the chest tube was not pulling enough ‘gunk’ out and sepsis was to occur, surgery was needed.

Now, Mark is in the ICU on a ventilator. The surgery was a failure.

He has been in the hospital a total of 16 days.

We have taken our calves to town and so far, used all resources to cover what we can of his bills.

We hope for and pray for the recovery of Mark. But as of right now we are not sure what is going to happen.

We are starting fundraising to help cover all his remaining bills, including the hospital ones to come. And whatever is left over will be donated to lung research.

If you would like to donate per check, Peoples Bank of Deer Lodge has an Account open for donations for Mark.

Mark works for Long Prairie as a Cattle Buyer here in Montana. Mark carries a lot of pride in his work selecting the best cattle Montana producers have to offer. He travels on average 1400 miles driving weekly to all the sales. The ‘fall run’ is a critical time for cattle buyers. They go to big sales that last until 4 am the next day. Most of his income is made from the months of September to December. This income is used for annual loans and taxes.

We do have personal health insurance from Blue Cross however it’s not great.

Mark is an amazing dad, grandpa, cowboy, friend and cattle buyer. There is nothing but love for this man in his community. Regardless of what is going on he shows up. He has always been so strong, loving, and resilient. His love for others transcends constantly to others. He's a cowboy that always appreciates a beautiful day.

I will update his gofundme if there's any change of his condition.

~Heather Bents