Homeward Bound...Mark Boyer...Homeward Bound

A simple errand Oct 2022. We all run them. The unthinkable happened. Blackness. A Medivac flight.

This catastrophic life changing auto accident initially left Mark Boyer a quadriplegic. Mark does not remember the lifesaving surgery, 3 weeks in ICU or most of the month in rehab. Shock. Feeding tubes, wires, more surgeries and tests, 18 long months in hospitals and rehabs struggling to move, think and speak. Through his deep will, perseverance, and exemplary care and therapy, he has begun making progress so very far from that initial diagnosis.

Mark proudly worked for SEPTA for 30 years. He supported the people he worked with, first as a colleague, and then for 13 years, as Chairman of Transit Workers Union Local 234. His team passionately implemented changes to the pension plan and improved work rules. Along with others, these initiatives later moved to the National level while improving his treasured Brotherhood and their families. Mark doesn’t have children, but treasures his family and adores his great nieces and nephews, most of whom are scattered about the country.

Mark’s daily life is completely dependent on support staff 24/7. Aides help him eat, drink, dress, change, reposition his limbs to limit pain & spasms. He cannot close his fingers to grasp. The nerve pads on his fingertips are just starting to recognize touch and pressure. A mechanical harness raises and swings him to his motorized wheelchair each day. He travels via ambulance on a stretcher to medical appointments. Mark enjoys no modesty, privacy, or independence, though he longs for them all. Six months ago, Mark preferred to die. Through some very dark times, eventually, Mark chose to fight, not to give up and die in excruciating pain. Thank God. His life now will be entirely different, but should be worthwhile, as he has much knowledge to give. He is extremely scared, yet remains hopeful. I share these personal details to help understand his needs and daily life.

I am Suzi, his dear friend, now asking for your help, on Mark’s behalf. I have fiercely advocated for him. Why? Because Mark is an incredibly kind, responsible, loving, decent & proud man. "A good guy" who has helped everyone willingly.

I reach out to you NOW because he truly needs help – a LOT of it – to be able to return home. It’s the course of action his medical team recommends, and an achievement Mark has dreamed of through all his pain and immense work in recovery. Repetitive tasks now re-train his brain to regain lost basic skills we all take for granted. His brain and nervous system re- redirect signals much like a road map, finding detours and re-routing around previous paths that were destroyed. New nerve routes result in movement and motor coordination. With therapy and immense will power, he has taken a few walking steps. With time and effort so much more is possible for him. (Video to follow.)

Mark and I, and all who love him, would be forever grateful for ANY amount you can spare and share to support his return home! Funds are desperately needed to cover costs medical insurance won’t: home modifications for handicap accessibility and safety, vehicle adaptations, gaps in aide coverage hours, extensive therapy, all of that on top of on-going routine medical needs and supplies for his lifetime.

Your support will be lifechanging for him. Please share on Instagram and X, copy/email those you feel might be interested helping and following his progress. Our hope is that you will join us in supporting Mark as he returns home navigating his new challenges. Updates of his progress to follow. A huge thank you seems inadequate.

Heaven Bless each of you, and all those who suffer. Compassion is a gift, making the world a better place.