Mark Kirkwood Foundation

"The happiest people are the ones who make others happy". Anyone who has ever met Mark Kirkwood can easily relate this quote to him. He is one of the happiest, funniest, kind hearted people I've ever had the privilege of knowing, and I know that many many people would agree. I don't know if it was growing up with 6 siblings that made him the kind of person that he is, or if it's the influence from his family. There are no people in the world more important to him than his wife Kathy, his son and daughter in law Mark Jr and Lindsey, his son Matt and his brand new grand daughter Alivia. Id argue to say it's been a little bit of both that has contributed to the kind of person that he is. Honestly, It's hard to sit here and describe Mark. He is so many words because there is just noone out there like him. He is one of a kind. He truly has a way of touching everyone he meets. His laughter and amazing attitude are infectious. Even in the face of adversity he has a smile on his face. After a long battle of several surgeries including two surgeries to correct a hiatal hernia, and a gallbladder removal, Mark was still not feeling like himself. Even so his unwavering personality never faltered. In March 2015 mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma. He underwent a surgical procedure in which they removed his kidney and all the surrounding lymphnodes. When the family went to find out more about his diagnosis they were told that this type of cancer is incredibly rare. In fact there is only one other documented case in the United States. In a way I guess it makes sense that he would be diagnosed with such a rare cancer because he is such a rare person. Even through the surgery and prognosis he has continued on with a smile on his face. We are reaching out and asking people to help Mark win this battle. He will be facing a long road with tests that will be done every three months to try and stay ahead of this rare cancer. Your donations will help Mark with future procedures, medical bills, and will contribute to him and his 
family during the time he has to take off work while he's fighting his courageous fight. It's been said that You may have to fight a battle more than once to beat it, and we are asking you to help Mark beat this battle!