Update: Marcus passed away the afternoon of Wednesday the 13th of January, surrounded by family and friends. There will be a celebration of his life at 1pm, Sunday, January 17, at Railroad Park.
Before he died, his and Benji's adoption of Michael was finalized - Michael Grace-Bishop.
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Many of you know that Marcus has been in the hospital. He became suddenly ill on Christmas with a serious staph infection. For the next few days, everything was very literally in the balance, and leaning toward the wrong side. Fortunately, the wonderful team at UAB has gotten the infection under control. Marcus is still facing many problems. His recovery will take weeks if not months and he suffered several strokes as a result of the extensive infection. We still don't know how they may have impacted him. He is awake now and off the ventilator and becoming more communicative. All very good signs. But there is a very long road ahead.
While Marcus has medical insurance, as a self-employed farmer, it is high deductible insurance. It will cover much of the cost of his illness but because Marcus's farm is a one man operation, he is effectively unemployed. His own recovery will be mirrored by an equally difficult recovery for Bad Duck Farms. With no income and significant expenses, he needs our help.
If you know Marcus, you know what friendship with him means. I've never known him to not show up for anyone in need. He is always there, always willing to help, and always going above and beyond. He's got a heart as big as his back is strong.
If you don't know, not only is Marcus an incredible friend and a farmer, he's also a dad. He and Benji are in the process of adopting Michael, Benji's nephew, who has been in their custody for a couple of years now.
Marcus needs our help. But helping Marcus isn't just about him, it's about helping a family cope with and manage an unimaginable crisis. I know I've always been able to count on Marcus, as have all of us. Now is the time for him to count on us. Please help out with whatever you can give.
Before he died, his and Benji's adoption of Michael was finalized - Michael Grace-Bishop.
--------------------------------------
Many of you know that Marcus has been in the hospital. He became suddenly ill on Christmas with a serious staph infection. For the next few days, everything was very literally in the balance, and leaning toward the wrong side. Fortunately, the wonderful team at UAB has gotten the infection under control. Marcus is still facing many problems. His recovery will take weeks if not months and he suffered several strokes as a result of the extensive infection. We still don't know how they may have impacted him. He is awake now and off the ventilator and becoming more communicative. All very good signs. But there is a very long road ahead.
While Marcus has medical insurance, as a self-employed farmer, it is high deductible insurance. It will cover much of the cost of his illness but because Marcus's farm is a one man operation, he is effectively unemployed. His own recovery will be mirrored by an equally difficult recovery for Bad Duck Farms. With no income and significant expenses, he needs our help.If you know Marcus, you know what friendship with him means. I've never known him to not show up for anyone in need. He is always there, always willing to help, and always going above and beyond. He's got a heart as big as his back is strong.
If you don't know, not only is Marcus an incredible friend and a farmer, he's also a dad. He and Benji are in the process of adopting Michael, Benji's nephew, who has been in their custody for a couple of years now.
Marcus needs our help. But helping Marcus isn't just about him, it's about helping a family cope with and manage an unimaginable crisis. I know I've always been able to count on Marcus, as have all of us. Now is the time for him to count on us. Please help out with whatever you can give.
Organizer and beneficiary
Benji Bishop
Beneficiary