Support Mark Anderson's Critical Battle

Update #23 - From Mark Anderson -

I just wanted to take a moment to say how incredibly thankful I am for all the prayers, support, and kind messages you’ve sent my way. It’s truly made a world of difference to me and my family. We’ve felt so uplifted and encouraged, and I can’t begin to express how much that means to us.

I also want to share some good news—I’m home now and beginning the next steps of my rehabilitation journey. Because of your prayers, support, and belief in me, I’ve found the strength to do what the doctors said couldn’t be done. I’ve defied the odds, and I know without a doubt that your love and encouragement helped make that possible.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I am forever grateful.

With love and appreciation,

Mark Anderson

Update #22 - April 5, 2025

Great news—Mark has been released from the hospital and is now continuing his recovery at a rehab facility! He’s expected to be there for about a week and a half, and he’s truly giving it everything he’s got. His determination has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s come such a long way and is making incredible progress.

Mark’s strength has carried him this far, but like many families in situations like this, the road to recovery can come with unexpected costs. The rehab facility has been a vital next step for him, but unfortunately, insurance is no longer covering the expenses.

This is where the continued generosity of this amazing community can make a real difference. If you’re able to support or share, it would mean so much. Every donation helps ease the burden and allows Mark to focus fully on healing.

And if giving isn’t possible right now, we completely understand—your continued prayers and positive thoughts are just as powerful. They’ve truly helped carry Mark and his family through this journey, and we are so grateful for them.

Thank you again for being part of Mark’s support team. The love surrounding him has been incredible.

Update #21 - March 25, 2025

We are so happy to share that Mark has been making incredible progress! The hyperbaric chamber treatments have been helping his body tremendously, and we are seeing real improvements.

Today, Mark achieved a huge milestone—he was able to go seven minutes on a recumbent bike! This is a big step forward in his recovery, and we couldn’t be more proud of his determination and strength.

Even more exciting, Kelly was able to take him outside for about 15 minutes without a nurse. Mark got to soak up some sunshine and enjoy a bit of fresh air, which was such a special moment.

Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. It truly means the world to Mark and his family!

Update # 20 - Feb. 28th

We’ve had a lot of ups and downs over the past month, but I’m happy to share that he is now out of the ICU and in a regular room. He has made incredible progress—getting out of bed, sitting up in a chair, and even taking seven steps with assistance.

However, there are still challenges ahead that need to be addressed. Mark continues to stay strong, but he still needs lots of prayers and support as this journey is just beginning.

Thank you all for your continued love, prayers, and generosity—it means the world to them.

Update #19 - Feb. 16th

Mark is still in the ICU and has had a really tough couple of weeks. He has undergone multiple surgeries as doctors work to clean out the infection. Despite everything, he continues to fight the good fight, showing incredible strength every day.

On a bright note, his daughter was able to see Mark, and it was such a wonderful reunion for both of them—much needed medicine for the heart. It was truly a special moment!

The family still needs a lot of prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to them. Thank you for standing by Mark and his family through this journey.

Update #18

It’s been a roller coaster these past few weeks, and we’re so grateful for all the love and support. Mark still needs prayers for his kidneys and liver—he’s fighting hard, but we know the power of prayer can make a difference. Please keep him in your thoughts, and share this with others who can lift him up.

Thank you all so much. We appreciate every single one of you. ❤️

Update #17

The last four days have been incredibly rough for Mark. He will be going into surgery soon, and it is an extremely risky procedure. His liver isn’t doing well, and his blood levels do not look good, making this an especially critical time. We are asking for all the love, prayers, and positive energy you can send his way. Thank you for standing by us during this incredibly difficult time.

Update #16

We are so thankful to share that Mark has made some incredible strides this past week! He is now less sedated and able to talk, as the ventilator and trach have been removed.

Mark has also been able to sit up, and physical therapy has been working with him to help him regain strength. Though he remains in the ICU and in critical condition, we are encouraged by his progress.

We kindly ask for continued prayers for his kidney and liver function and for the infection, which is not yet under control. Thank you all for your support and love during this time.

Update #15

Yesterday, Mark underwent an extensive seven hour surgery with four dedicated surgeons working tirelessly to clear as much of the infection as they could. While they made progress, Mark is still not out of the woods. He continues to fight with incredible strength, but this remains a critical time for him.

Tomorrow, he will have a CT scan to determine if the infection has reached his aorta. The family is holding onto hope and faith, but they need all the prayers, love, and support they can get as Mark continues this tough battle.

Thank you for standing with us during this journey. Your prayers and generosity mean everything to Mark and the family.

Update #14

Thank you all for your continued kindness, generosity, and support during this challenging time. We wanted to let you know that moving forward, we will be sharing fewer updates on this page out of respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate these incredibly difficult times.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and your continued thoughts and prayers. Please know that your contributions and support mean more than words can express, and they are providing immense comfort and relief to the family.

Thank you for your compassion and respect during this time.

Update #13

The impella machine helping Mark’s heart has been removed, and his heart is slowly improving. We are so thankful that his fever is now gone. A CT scan was done to check for infection in his neck, left shoulder, and chest, and we’re waiting on the results. The doctors are still working to get the infection under control.

Please continue to keep Mark in your prayers. Your support means so much to us.

Update #12

We have some mixed updates to share today. First, we are thankful to report that Mark’s vitals have remained stable after being taken off ECMO—this is such an encouraging sign! However, he has developed a fever, and the medical team is concerned about his left shoulder and neck area. They are currently doing a CT scan. Thank you for your continued prayers through this hard time.

Update #11

I got to see Mark today, and I’m so happy to share that he had a really great day! He was able to squeeze my hand, and when I talked to him, he opened his eyes, lifted his eyebrows, and was trying to talk. Although he couldn’t speak because of the trachea, it was clear he was responding.

I let him know that his wife, Kelly, is a rockstar and is doing an amazing job making sure he is well taken care of. I also reminded him that he has so many people who love him and are rallying with him on this journey. I shared with him that he isn’t alone, he is strong, and we are so proud of him for fighting to heal and become strong again.

The nurses mentioned that he was having a great day, and I could see it in those little moments. Thank you all for your continued love, prayers, and support.

Update #10

His surgery to remove the ECMO device went well! We are so relieved and grateful, especially since there was significant concern about the blood loss. Thank you all for your support during this critical time—it means the world to us!”

Update #9

Mark’s surgery to remove the ECMO, scheduled for this morning, was postponed to tomorrow due to him needing four units of blood and one bag of plasma today. It’s been a rough day. We ask for special prayers for tomorrow’s surgery: that his blood pressure stabilizes, Liver Enzymes decrease, CRP levels decrease, kidney function improves, and for guidance and wisdom over the medical team performing the surgery. Thank you for your continued support.

Update #8

Mark has group A strep pyogenes streptococcus which has progressed to toxic shock syndrome. He’s receiving medicine to help with it. Yesterday, he was on the highest level of precaution, but today he’s back to regular precaution—great progress! Tomorrow morning, they plan to remove the Ecmo, which is a big step. An ortho consult today led to fluid being drained from his shoulder.

Mark was awake today and showed his fighting spirit by trying to pull out his tubes. If you know Mark, you know he is a fighter and we all pray that he will continue to show progress.

Due to his diagnosis, the ENT team confirmed he’ll need more surgeries, including tonsil removal and a tooth extraction. Everything is being done to help the strep not return later.

Today was a great day with positive vibes from Mark and the doctors. They’re discussing long-term plans, which is a relief after the earlier catastrophic outlook. Please keep the prayers coming—we have a long road ahead, but things are looking up.

Update #7

Overall, the machines are still keeping Mark’s organs functioning, but we have some encouraging news to share. During a “sedation vacation,” Mark tried to open his eyes and even responded to the doctor’s requests to move his fingers and toes—such an amazing step forward!

He also had a CT scan of the brain, and cognitively, things are looking positive.

There is still concern about the tissue in his shoulder, and doctors are closely monitoring it. They’ve also added tubes to his chest, ear, nose, and throat to support his care.

The medical team remains very optimistic due to his improvement. Mark is receiving the highest level of care, with two full-time nurses on duty 24/7 and a dedicated respiratory therapist. The doctors and nurses have been phenomenal.

Please continue to pray for Mark’s progress—we are so grateful for your support and encouragement.

Update #6

Today, doctors performed a biopsy of the chest area to rule out necrotizing fasciitis, and thankfully, none was found. They also performed a debridement on his shoulder, surgically removing damaged or inflamed tissue from the shoulder joint. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.

Update #5

Thank you all so much for your continued support, love, and prayers. Kelly truly appreciates everyone reaching out, but we kindly ask that you please refrain from texting her directly. She needs to focus on caring for Mark and taking time to rest so she can stay strong during this challenging time. She loves you all deeply and is grateful for your understanding.

An update on Mark: He was stable last night, and the medical team has re-sedated him. They are now assessing whether additional surgeries will be necessary. Thank you for keeping him in your thoughts during this critical time. Your kindness and generosity mean everything.

Update #4

Yesterday, Mark underwent surgery to receive ECMO, a life-support device that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs while addressing underlying conditions. He is also experiencing high ammonia levels in his blood and low liver function.

The family is asking for your continued prayers for Mark’s healing, improved liver function, and strength during this critical time. Thank you for your love and support.

update #3

Update on Mark

We’re so grateful to share that Mark is out of surgery, and it went well! His white blood cell count is increasing, which is a wonderful sign. The doctors were able to remove a significant amount of fluid, and now the next 24 hours are absolutely critical.

We kindly ask that you avoid contacting Kelly directly at this time so she can focus entirely on Mark and his recovery. She deeply appreciates everyone’s prayers and support—it’s truly amazing and means so much to their family.

Thank you for your understanding, and please continue to keep Mark and his family in your prayers. We’ll share more updates as soon as we can!

Dear Friends and Family,

It is with heavy hearts that we reach out to ask for your support and prayers for our beloved Mark Anderson. Just days ago, at Christmas time, Mark started feeling unwell. What began as mild discomfort quickly escalated, and this morning, he was rushed to the hospital. He is now in the ICU fighting for his life.

Mark’s condition is critical and continues to worsen. He is battling heart and kidney failure, with his heart functioning at only 10%. He has also developed pneumonia and a severe bacterial infection spreading through his body. His medical team is unable to begin dialysis due to the severity of his condition. Tragically, the outlook is not looking good.

Mark is not only a devoted husband, loving father, and sole provider for his family, but he is also a deeply loved teacher at Riggs Elementary School. The community adores Mark for his dedication, kindness, and the positive impact he has made in the lives of his students and colleagues.

The suddenness and severity of this crisis have left his family not only emotionally devastated but also facing mounting medical expenses and financial strain. We’ve created this GoFundMe to help ease their burden and allow them to focus on supporting Mark during this critical time.

Every donation, no matter how small, will help his family navigate this heartbreaking journey. If you’re unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this campaign and keeping Mark and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are devastated by the pain Mark and his family are enduring, but we know the power of coming together in times of need. Let’s support them with the love, prayers, and assistance they so desperately need.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With deepest gratitude,

Jennifer Mack, representing the Anderson family

Update #2

Update on Mark Anderson

We want to share an urgent update about Mark. He has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive strep infection, and he is currently undergoing a critical life-saving surgery. This procedure is essential for his survival, and we are asking for your continued thoughts, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

We will provide more updates as soon as we have news. Thank you for standing by Mark and his family.