Mark is a wonderful yet grumpy husband, father, and grandpa who has always put his family first. He started getting sick in 2008 and ended up with a pacemaker/defibrillator in his chest, it got him by for a few years. January 2025 his heart had a mind of its own and decided to start failing, he was hospitalized for over a month in St. Louis, MO as the doctors worked to figure out a plan. By that time his heart was not in good shape for transplant or LVAD. The doctors gave him the option of go home hope for the best or a medicated drip called Milrinone. Mark chose the medication, so he was fitted with a central line and has lived with the medication for 17 months, which is longer then the doctors expected. He sees a doctor at least 1 to 2 times a week. Mark and his wife Janet travel to Columbia MO from thier home 2 hrs away. These doctor visits and countless hospitalizations have drained them financially. As Mark's care increases it has caused Janet to become unemployed which caused more strain on them financially.

As family helps the best they can, its taking a toll on them as well. This fundraiser is to help ease the financial burden of bills, medication, gas, hotel rooms, and food when Mark is hospitalized.