Help Mark Take The Next Step
Donation protected
We have created this account to help Mark and Colleen replace the carpet in their home. This is a number one recommendation to allow Mark mobility as he is able to stay in his family home. All money raised will be put towards this goal. The flooring is being purchased at cost and some labour is being donated. Here is Mark's story and a wonderful poem:
On June 16th this year, Mark underwent surgery to have to his lower left leg amputated. After battling rheumatoid arthritis for the past 30 years, through 15 major surgeries with ‘new’ ankles, hips, knees and shoulder, it was finally time to say good bye to a part of Mark’s body that just refused to heal.
As Mark now learns to adjust to life on only one leg, it has become very obvious that our family home needs some modifications to make Mark’s recovery safe and possible. Replacing the carpet throughout our home with flooring, will make Mark’s progress with wheelchairs and walkers so much easier and functional.
With the approaching costs of a prosthetic leg and a wheelchair still ahead of us, we have reached a point where we need to reach out and ask for assistance. As humbling as it is to have to ask for help, sometimes you come to a point in your life when you have to admit you are in need…
HEY ARTHE-RI-TIS!
You attacked me in my twenties
First my wrists, then my knees
You took away my sports, my ability to run
Even back then, the battle was not won.
You plagued me in my daddy’s role
With hands unable to grip and hold
Babies baths and simple tasks
I hated that for help I had to ask.
You caused me pain, ‘til I could not walk
Using me as a ‘guinea pig’ was the doctors’ talk
A special drug here, a new shot there
How much more, could my body bear?
You cost me fifteen surgeries
New shoulder, ankles, hips and knees
The ‘Bionic Man’ may be my pet name
But inside I felt just the same.
You took away my ability to work
Unable to provide, left me feeling like a jerk
A single income family wasn’t in our plan
On a teacher’s salary, we do what we can.
You have finally taken a part of me
My lower left leg? How can that be!
As I learn to adjust, adapt and to fight
To stay in my home, isn’t that my right?
You may think you have won this round
When really there’s more to be found
Through family, friends and community
Hope, trust and love are what we see.
You may have taken one of my limbs
But learning to walk again is more than a whim.
Stairs are the challenge in my family home
Wheelchairs and walkers are now the new norm.
You haven’t beaten me yet you see
There has to be a plan to help me be
The carpet that trips me really has to go
A floor to traverse... can we make it so?
Yea you…. Arthe-ri-tis
You can’t take my dreams and wishes
I’m still standing up to you
There’s still so much I have to do.
On June 16th this year, Mark underwent surgery to have to his lower left leg amputated. After battling rheumatoid arthritis for the past 30 years, through 15 major surgeries with ‘new’ ankles, hips, knees and shoulder, it was finally time to say good bye to a part of Mark’s body that just refused to heal.
As Mark now learns to adjust to life on only one leg, it has become very obvious that our family home needs some modifications to make Mark’s recovery safe and possible. Replacing the carpet throughout our home with flooring, will make Mark’s progress with wheelchairs and walkers so much easier and functional.
With the approaching costs of a prosthetic leg and a wheelchair still ahead of us, we have reached a point where we need to reach out and ask for assistance. As humbling as it is to have to ask for help, sometimes you come to a point in your life when you have to admit you are in need…
HEY ARTHE-RI-TIS!
You attacked me in my twenties
First my wrists, then my knees
You took away my sports, my ability to run
Even back then, the battle was not won.
You plagued me in my daddy’s role
With hands unable to grip and hold
Babies baths and simple tasks
I hated that for help I had to ask.
You caused me pain, ‘til I could not walk
Using me as a ‘guinea pig’ was the doctors’ talk
A special drug here, a new shot there
How much more, could my body bear?
You cost me fifteen surgeries
New shoulder, ankles, hips and knees
The ‘Bionic Man’ may be my pet name
But inside I felt just the same.
You took away my ability to work
Unable to provide, left me feeling like a jerk
A single income family wasn’t in our plan
On a teacher’s salary, we do what we can.
You have finally taken a part of me
My lower left leg? How can that be!
As I learn to adjust, adapt and to fight
To stay in my home, isn’t that my right?
You may think you have won this round
When really there’s more to be found
Through family, friends and community
Hope, trust and love are what we see.
You may have taken one of my limbs
But learning to walk again is more than a whim.
Stairs are the challenge in my family home
Wheelchairs and walkers are now the new norm.
You haven’t beaten me yet you see
There has to be a plan to help me be
The carpet that trips me really has to go
A floor to traverse... can we make it so?
Yea you…. Arthe-ri-tis
You can’t take my dreams and wishes
I’m still standing up to you
There’s still so much I have to do.
Organizer
Tess Vally
Organizer
Sooke, BC
