Help Strengthen and Champion Mark & Kim Goodman Through This Medical Crisis

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”...and sometimes those plans are not quite what we expected.

Life could not have been more blessed for the Goodman family. A beautiful family, grandchild, and fur babies; a wonderful business with incredible employees and customers; and a heart for community outreach—whether it is their monthly homecooked meal for the homeless or involvement in community fundraisers, Mark and Kim are a pillar in their community. But one thing we have all learned over time is that God’s plans are not always our plans. Early January 2025 brought unexpected news--Mark received a diagnosis of end stage liver disease which has overwhelmingly changed his, and his family’s, lives. Life since has been a whirlwind of hospital visits, emergency treatments, and uncertainty, but through it all their focus is on the Lord with a faith so overwhelming we know that God is in control!

A little bit about their journey thus far—

January brought several hospitalizations for dangerously low sodium levels each time they were able to return home to begin the healing and lifestyle journey. However, things took a critical turn at the end of January when he was rushed to the St. Francis ER, where he was diagnosed with the flu and septic shock.

After two challenging weeks at SFMC, and with the incredible support of the SFMC medical team, Dr C and a dear friend, Mark was transferred to Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans on February 14 to be evaluated for a liver transplant—his best hope for recovery.

Shortly after arriving in New Orleans, Mark began experiencing problems with his vision. Doctors discovered a severe eye infection and immediately began aggressive treatment with IV antibiotics and direct injections into his eyes, and when that did not help, antifungal medications were added to his treatment plan. After extensive testing, doctors diagnosed him with aspergillus flavus fungus, an environmental fungus that we are all exposed to daily; however, because of his weakened immune system, this exposure has developed into a dangerous and rare infection.

As of now, Mark has lost vision in both eyes. While there have been signs of improvement, the road to recovery is long and uncertain. Treating this type of fungal infection is slow, requiring prolonged hospitalization and specialized care.

Unfortunately, the liver transplant process cannot proceed while Mark has an active infection. Doctors anticipate discharging him home to continue the intensive antifungal treatment, with frequent follow-ups in New Orleans. Once the infection is resolved, the transplant team will re-evaluate him for eligibility.

Throughout this journey, Mark and Kim have been surrounded by incredible nurses and doctors who have invested in him and his journey to recovery. Specifically, at SFMC they saw nothing short of miraculously positive shifts in Mark’s numbers…a true blessing…and that incredible level of care has continued during their time at Ochsner. God is certainly answering prayers and surrounding them with the right people at the right time to support his recovery and path to transplant.

The entire family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, support, and visits, and is faithful that God is in control. Their prayer is that through this they are able to show everyone who comes into their path the power of unconditional faith, trust, and peace in God’s plan, and know that this story is being used for His glory!

How You Can Help:

While they are very blessed to have great healthcare coverage, as we all know during such life change, health insurance does not cover the daily and/or long-term expenses associated with a long recovery journey. If you are able, the family appreciates your support—no matter the amount—to help cover:

• Ongoing hospital stays and specialized medical treatments

• Travel and lodging expenses for follow-up care in New Orleans

• Daily living expenses, to include nurses and aids, during Mark’s long recovery journey

Whether you support through monetary donations, prayers, or just sharing their story, the entire family thanks you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this difficult time. But above all, they thank you for your prayers, positive thoughts, and faith as it is both an encouragement and comfort. We believe God is not done and Mark’s peace, faith, and trust will be an inspiration and encouragement to others, and a reminder that God is never done!

Let’s rally around Mark & Kim and show them God’s love and our support!