Mark is now an angel: help honor his memory

My name is Starr...anyone who knows me, knows my step-father Mark. He has been married to my Mother, Laura Michel, since I was in grade school. I have seen these types of posts before and never thought I would be creating one. But... here I am...typing.  For Mark:: ...Because of so many reasons... because: he is selfless, he will always answer when you call, if you need a ride  he is there, if you are hungry he will provide, he has been a shoulder to cry on, he always has an encouraging smile when all that was left to feel was defeat,  he is a voice of reason when ones mind is chaos, he provides a strong and honest pep-talk when needed, and because I can't think of many memories that don't include him.  My friends, family and now my own children have endless amazing stories I can share about the man he is...and never wavered from being.

Despite his kind soul... this unfair world has chosen to place him in urgent medical need of a liver transplant. Recently, we have been unbelievably elated to find out that he is a candidate for a living donor transplant. Upon hearing this news...my daughter (Mark's grandaughter) Aidan, immediately shared this news on one of her social media feeds asking for any possible donor volunteers. We have an extremely hopeful and strong candidate... A young man, clearly selfless himself, who  came forward. He is an acquaintance of Aidan's  (a brother to her friend). He had never met Mark. Within mere hours of her post he reached out to her. He stated he saw her video and felt nothing short of an uncontrollable yearning to give. To give to a man he had never met. Expecting nothing in return. He explained to Aidan he simply wants to help.  In our eyes he is a Hero. Ironically, the mentality and giving/selfless person willing to donate to Mark, reminds me SO much of Mark himself. 

The reason for this post: 
The living donor transplant surgery, pre-OP testing, procedures, recovery, post-op healing, and mandatory recovery period will be taking place at UCSF Medical Center. All medical related costs will almost be covered entirely by the recipient's (Mark) insurance. However, the costs of  hotel stays for not only the donor but also a family member (support system), food, possible transportation costs  (unsure of donors vehicle situation), etc,  will not be covered.  These costs will be cumulative for multiple trips to UCSF.  Some trips shorter than others (some for pre-OP testing, post-OP check ups, ect), some for extended periods of time. Such as recovery time from surgery. It is a requirement that the donor stays in close proximity to the hospital (at hotel) but often does not qualify for medical necessity and insurance to cover acute hospital stay. Any funds so generously received will be for the sole purpose for which I stated above.

Our gratitude for the potential donor is immeasurable. Any donation contributed to the process of the live donor transplant miracle that is to occur will forever be remembered as just that... a miracle.  

Much love XOXO