Mark Brodeur Recovery Fund

My name is Laurie Brodeur, I am writing as a representative of my band of sisters on behalf of our baby brother Mark. He recently designated me as one of his Durable Power of Attorney. It brings tears to my eyes as I look at the documents that he signed on March 26th, 2024. Although the words were never spoken, we knew that we may never see each other again. It took the big guy all that he had to sign his name on the lines. My hopes are that I will never have to set my gaze on these documents again, as I know that seeing his signature left by a weak hand will bring back all those feelings that I have become so familiar with over the years.

Mark survived when many members of our family did not. We are beyond fortunate and grateful. He has fought many rounds of battle in the last 3½ weeks, but his fight is far from over.

This is Mark's story.

Mark is full of life and lives “BIG.” A self-taught guitarist, he is a passionate musician who has played MANY benefits to raise money for numerous worthwhile causes. Mark’s heart is enormous and he is a beloved brother, uncle, boyfriend, friend, and co-worker. Mark is a selfless soul who has always put the best interest of others first. There is nothing that brings him more joy than putting a smile on the face of those that he loves, and those that he has encountered during his 50 years on this earth. He seldom shakes a hand as he considers himself a “hugger”. Even those that typically aren’t the hugging type can feel his love as he wraps his arms around you just to say hello. There are few people that are 6’2”, 280 pounds that can be as inviting, warm and assuring as Mark Brodeur. Even in the clasp of his bear hug.

Mark was raised and is the youngest in a family of 8 sisters and 1 brother. Things were always hectic in the Brodeur household. Mark’s parents, Anna and Paul were hardworking, loving parents that had high standards and expectations for their children. They didn’t have much, but what they did have was an unbreakable bond and unity that would prove to be a catalyst for Mark’s recovery.

Mark has always been a gentle giant and his interests varied greatly. While in high school Mark experimented with many instruments in his four years in Band. He also played hockey for the Berlin Mountaineers and was coached by his uncle Albie. There was a faction that existed in Berlin at the time, you were either a Bruins fan or a Canadiens fan. Since Mark was raised in a French-Canadian family, he remained loyal to his roots and cheered on his beloved Canadiens as he does to this day. It is well known that Mark may appear at a gathering with his ugly Canadiens sweater. Well, we all think it’s ugly, Mark thinks it's beautiful.

Mark went on to graduate from the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. He attended UNH for a brief period of time and after coming to the realization that he wasn’t sure what he wanted to pursue as a career, he started working as a teacher’s assistant with Easter Seals. He spent years working with students with developmental and behavioral disabilities. Mark has always had the propensity to help others. While in high school, instead of hanging out with his friends Mark would choose to volunteer for the Special Olympics. His big smile, giving nature and outgoing personality brought so much joy to those that he helped.

Mark eventually accepted a job as a phone systems installer with a mom and pop company out of Gilmanton NH. Mark spent almost 20 years working for this company and truly loved the work that he did. He eventually moved on to a larger outfit out of Hooksett where he works now. He receives so much praise and appreciation for his efforts, loyalty and the care that he provides to the clients that he serves. A lifelong friend can attest to this as Mark often services the schools in which his buddy has worked. His friend has heard people comment after Mark has left the building with things such as, “I love that guy”, “I wish everyone cared as much as him”, and “Mark always shows up smiling and leaves smiling.” The ironic piece of these interactions is that those making the comments are not aware that Mark and he know each other.

When Mark was 2 years old, his dad died of a heart attack at the young age of 46. He was a sergeant in the Berlin, NH police department. He began experiencing chest pain after he and another officer had carried someone in a stretcher up a flight of stairs. He drove himself to the local hospital where he was admitted overnight. He died the next morning at 5 am. Leaving his wife Anna to care for their large family.

As Anna worked full time to provide for her family, she often left her hypertension untreated. Although tragic, this was her testament to her children as their needs never went unmet. Anna died of a heart attack in her apartment after she had a wonderful swim which was one of her most favorite activities.

Just this past year Mark’s brother Dave suddenly experienced a major heart attack and he died at his home on August 9th, 2023. He was 67 years old. He left behind his loving wife and 2 children. Many fishermen throughout the country have used Dave’s famous fishing lure, DB Smelt lure which his family continues to make by hand in their homes to keep his legacy alive.

Well, unfortunately for Mark, his fate has followed a similar path. On March 25th of 2024 Mark left work as he was not feeling well. Upon arriving home Mark called an ambulance for himself. After arriving at the emergency room they inserted 3 stents. During the procedure they discovered that Mark had a hole in the septum in his heart. They requested an immediate transfer to Massachusetts General Hospital where he underwent open heart surgery. They were able to repair his heart, and we were told that his prognosis was still guarded. During his initial recovery stages, Mark experienced arrhythmia and he needed more intervention. They believe that he experienced a stroke during this time. The stroke has delayed his recovery but his strength and determination has propelled him to his recent move to Concord Rehabilitation on April 13th, 2024.

Mark fully intends to return to the job that he loves. This will take some time. He will require individualized care for the foreseeable future and he needs your help. Due to his insurance coverage we expect his medical bills to be astronomical. And to complicate things even further, his home has some issues that need to be remediated before he can return to the place that he loves.

Due to Mark’s home having some water damage we decided to have it tested for mold. The home has mold throughout and it is in need of significant repairs and restoration in order to bring it to healthy living conditions. It will also need modifications so that it is handicap accessible.

It isn’t without humble realizations that Mark needs support to pay his bills and prepare his home for his return. Mark has never asked anything of anyone and he continues to positively impact those that are fortunate enough to be part of his life.

Any financial support that you can provide at this time will be greatly appreciated. There isn’t an amount too small. Even if you can only donate a dollar, Mark will be greatly appreciative and it will help make the difference that he deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know Mark. Please know that if you choose to donate, we will be updating Mark’s progress on a regular basis. You all will be informed about the progress of his medical debts and the repairs done to his home. Most importantly, you will be part of his rehabilitation and we will keep you informed.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and appreciation for Mark.

With love and hope,

Laurie Brodeur