Organized by Mark’s daughters, this fundraiser is for their father, Mark, who suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke in January 2024. Doctors initially gave him slim odds of survival, and he spent months in a coma with “locked-in syndrome” — fully conscious but unable to move or speak. After two and a half years in hospitals and rehab, he has made significant progress, though he remains wheelchair-bound and requires full-time care. The funds aim to provide a wheelchair and an accessible van so he can attend family milestones and maintain independence.
Before the stroke, Mark lived a full and active life. He loved driving his old truck, kayaking, boating, hiking, and spending time with family. He was the kind of dad who went back to college while working full-time, graduated with straight A’s, and never missed an event.
His passion extended far beyond our family. Early in his career, he worked at the Prospect Park Zoo and developed a deep love for tortoises. That passion eventually took him all the way to Madagascar, where he helped build enclosures and support conservation efforts to protect them from poaching. His kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Today, many of those simple freedoms are out of reach. Mark is largely confined to his room.
With weddings, graduations, and milestones ahead for his five children including his eldest daughter’s wedding this July—our hope is that Mark can be present. This requires specialized medical equipment and transportation, which are costly.
We are raising funds specifically for:
• A specialized wheelchair that will safely support Mark’s mobility and medical needs
• A wheelchair-accessible transportation van that insurance does not cover
While medical transportation services do exist, they are extremely costly and typically limited to short, scheduled trips for medical appointments only. They do not allow for flexibility, family time, or the ability to simply leave the house and experience life outside of medical needs. Over time, relying on these services alone is not a sustainable option for our family.
These are essential—not luxuries. They will allow Mark to safely leave the house, attend medical appointments and therapy, and most importantly, give him the chance to attend his daughter’s wedding and reconnect with life beyond four walls.
If you’re able to donate or simply share his story, it truly means more than we can express.
Mark has always been there for us. Now, we are doing everything we can. 
