Mark Smith's Fight Against Cancer

Mark N. Smith is 49 years old with a wife of 23 years, one son and one daughter. To know Mark is to love him. We feel blessed to have him as part of our family.  Many may know that in July 2014 Mark was diagonsed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer). They removed his right kidney. Since then the doctors have been doing scans. December 30, 2015 he received the news that his cancer has spread to his lungs. After receiving another opinion there were also some concerns about his left remaining kidney. This is when Mark and Dawn decided to seek out doctors who specialized in renal cell (clear cell type) cancer. They traveled to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas Feb. 1st 2016. There, after more tests, they confirmed that the cancer has spread to both lungs and left kidney. Unfortunately, Renal Cell does not have a cut and dry treatment plan. There are several different medications to treat renal cell but at this time there is no cure for renal cell though we are hopeful that there will be one soon. 

Mark has started an oral medication that he takes at home. At this point he is still able to work and live life to the fullest with manageable side effects. Mark and Dawn will be traveling back and forth every six weeks to MD Anderson in Texas for follow up blood work, scans and doctor visits.  I know that there are many people out there who have been praying for them and we ask that you continue. There have also been several that have asked to help where needed and that is why this Campaign has been started.  With copays, co-insurance, travel expense and time off work it doesnt take long to put a burden on the family.  We would like to help lighten the burden during this tough time.  Please donate if possible and please share this gofundme page to your friends and family. 

Thank you all so much for supporting Mark and Dawn. Lets show Mark and Dawn they aren't alone in this fight. #FaithMatters #FightingKidneyCancerOneDayAtATime