For almost forty years, our father, Mark Rohde, has worked in the Human Service field; always in the nonprofit sector. His first experience in the helping profession was when he volunteered with his brother David assisting developmentally disabled adults in a home in Brooklyn, New York. Since then, he has spent nearly 35 years working with at-risk youth at Hillside Children's Center. He is also a proud Navy Veteran, having served aboard the USS Enterprise. Our dad has always looked for ways to help others, whether it be mowing neighbors’ lawns or checking in on friends and family. He would give you the shirt off his back if he could.

Now, we are asking for help for our dad. He has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease with no known cause and no cure. This disease has slowed him down so much that his doctors have medically retired him. He is on oxygen for any activity requiring more than 10 steps and is currently using a heavy tank that he must wear on his back. His pulmonologist has prescribed a portable oxygen concentrator to keep him mobile and as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, he has received denials of coverage from 3 different insurance companies.

We are asking for help in purchasing an Inogen portable concentrator, extra batteries and supplies, and for medical expenses that his insurance will not cover. A portable oxygen concentrator would do so much to help improve his quality of life, allow longer walks with his dog Pepper and more time with his grandchildren. Thank you for any help you are able to give and please keep our amazing father in your prayers. Thank you and God bless you all.