Team Mark "Kicking Cancer Otter Here"

My brother-in-law Mark is one amazing man!  He is one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever met.  If you need advice or someone to listen, Mark is there for you and makes you feel understood.  I can’t tell you how many times he has been there to support me. 

Mark has been a counselor and for many years owned a video game store.  The store was more than just for customers to come and shop at.  It was a place that people would come to talk, purchase or trade games.  Mark was the face of the store and people loved to work for him.  Even at the store, he was there as a counselor as well and always took the time to listen to people’s problems and give them advice.  Though he had to sell the business, he went back to what he loves- helping people. 

Mark and Tina have gone through many ordeals in their life and never once batted an eye and complained.  His wife (my sister) quit her job about 7 years ago to be the main caregiver to my mother who had a stroke.  Mark took on the responsibilities of being the main worker so my sister could care for my mom.  In order to help out, Tina began a jewelry business and doing jewelry shows to help out.  This came to a halt in 2016 as my mom was diagnosed with mouth cancer and had multiple surgeries and radiation.  My sister was there to care for my mom through all of it and made sure she was able to get to every appointment.  Tina and Mark never once complained and used their savings they earned through their time together to cover monthly bills. 

 Then, this year, one of the biggest obstacles hit them out of the blue.  About three months ago, Mark was not feeling well and thought he had indigestion.  He went to the doctor and was put on medication.  When the problem worsened, he went for a follow up and after testing, he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer that has spread to his liver, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, stomach and lungs. 

Mark is currently undergoing chemo and is slated to be seen at the Mayo clinic.  Even though he has health insurance, his policy has a very high deductible and many of the costs are out of network and will be their responsibility.  As treatment will be very expensive, this will become burdensome to him and my sister when his main thoughts should be on getting better.

I ask everyone to please open your hearts and help out my brother-in-law and sister, who would do anything for anyone and they would never think twice about doing it.  Given the circumstances and where he is in treatment, your caring generosity will help to cover the medical treatment that Mark is undergoing.  I believe that every person has a personal story of dealing with cancer (whether themselves having it, a family member or friend), so please even if can’t donate, please share to help them out when they need it the most and prayers are always welcome.

Thank you all for your time and generosity.