Mark's Fight Against Cancer

Mark Wingo, an extended family member, is battling liver cancer yet again. Back in 2001, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor on his liver and underwent surgery that removed the tumor and part of his liver. We later learned that Mark had gone into remission. Sadly this past July, doctors found that the scar tissue on his liver has metastasized into a non-operative carcinoma. Mark is now undergoing chemotherapy. He has lost over 20 pounds, is unable to work as a personal trainer/ masseur and is finding himself struggling on SSI to make ends meet. Since his initial diagnosis, he has relied on holistic treatments in addition to standard traditional Western medicine. As I am sure you are aware, it’s expensive purchasing anything from a wellness center or a health food store. Add your normal living expenses such as rent, utilities and food onto your medical copays, cost of pharmaceuticals and your other monthly expenses and you can see that SSI just does not stretch far enough. Let alone provide you with enough money to pay for healthy food. The chemotherapy has weakened his immune system and he recently acquired a staph infection and was hospitalized for a week. Thankfully he is now home, continuing on medication for the staph infection. This has further weakened Mark. It has been frustrating for me to see this man, who is so full of life, now spending his days in bed recovering from a staph infection while at the same time undergoing chemotherapy. His doctors at this point don’t know if his chemo will be for another 3 months or for a longer period time. Of all the organs in your body, the liver acts as the body’s filtration system. Mark’s liver was compromised back in 2001 with his first surgery, and now is having to deal with massive amounts of antibiotics along with the effects of his ongoing chemotherapy. In addition to being a nice guy, Mark has also been an activist since the 1970’s fighting for our civil rights. Ranging from his work with numerous HIV/AIDS Organization for many local and national organizations such as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, to his loyal dedication to the leather community as well. He was honored to be the last titled 2013 SE Leather Sir here in Atlanta. It is my hope that Mark’s friends, extended family of friends and those who know of him, will assist during this difficult time. All this said, Mark is still full of optimism and is thankful every day for all that he has.