Mark Hogan

Family and friends, Thank you for visiting our CaringBridge website; we created this to keep family and friends updated in one place about our dad, Mark, and to help get our mom, Tara, support in caring for him. As many of you know, our dad has long suffered from chronic back pain and a variety of other conditions, including some neurological problems like dyskinesia, that have made it difficult for him to be out of bed or move around. Tara has been caring for Mark for the past few years, and he has had periods of doing better and worse.  Recently, things took a turn for the worse when he was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia caused by aspiration. He had a g-tube placed to get the nutrients he needed and was transferred to a rehab facility where he worked on swallowing and other PT and OT needs. He was discharged — likely too early — back home but is still in need of constant, 24/7 care. Tara works full-time and is taking time off of work to provide the care he needs, but we are in the process of finding in-home care to allow our her to have a break and return to work. Mark is also receiving in-home PT and OT. If you know our dad, you know he is maintaining his sense of humor and getting by OK. And if you know Tara, you know she's one of the most giving, selfless people. And she's not one who is super quick to ask for help! She has been doing this care work on her own a lot of the time, day in and day out. But we know there is a whole community of family and friends who want to help both of them, so we want to make sure they get it and can direct action through this site.  We are raising funds to help with: - In-home needs like installing a wheelchair ramp outside, a bed railing, etc. - In-home care expenses. - Medical expenses. - Long-term planning. We are so appreciative of your support. Thank you! Molly and Clara