Help With Vital Care for Retired Teacher, Mark Calaiacovo
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**Updated 5/10/2025: starting 5/12/25, expenses will double through 5/26/25, due to need to increase appointments and treatments during this time**
We ask that you share this widely – whether or not you're able to give. All efforts to support at this critical junction are appreciated.
Please help support beloved retired public educator, Mark Calaiacovo, who's been facing unimaginable health challenges since 2019. In 2022, matters started worsening, with steady, systemic decline. Today they are at their most painful on all levels – despite how he looks if or when you see him.
For years, Mark has had an overly full schedule of specialist and provider-approved palliative care appointments — first to alleviate increasing chronic pain, as he can only have conservative treatment. Now problems are surfacing throughout his body due to what many doctors agree is a very complex, fast-acting, undiagnosed systemic disorder. Because most of the helpful palliative options are not covered by insurance, Mark has made many sacrifices to pay for them (the past two years have exceeded household income by $20,000 per year; he's almost depleted retirement savings). The debt from past expenses is crushing – with no simple, short-term solution – which prevents paying for future care and worsens stress.
This fundraiser is to help alleviate these burdens. And hopefully help Mark find some joy in life again as well as some answers about his very complex health conditions. We know that he would be extremely grateful for any contribution you can make. You can give anonymously or with your name noted. You’re also able and welcome to add words of support or fond memories, which Mark will be able to read.
Please also share this fundraiser widely, Mark is in dire need of support. We’ll be sure to provide intermittent updates below, based on when he’s able to share details with us.
The person
If you’re ever in Orchard Park, NY, and lucky to spot Mark – or Mr. Calaiacovo (“kal-lay-AH-kuh-voh” as he would teach it) – you’ll see a smile many came to love during his decades of working in the local public school district.
What you’re not likely to see are the invisible conditions and pain that riddle Mark’s body and dampen his spirit. You also won’t know that every year since he retired in 2019, he’s lost more and more of his physical abilities to stay strong and move without pain.
- Since 2022, starting each day takes him triple the time it used to take.
- The constant precipitation, weather, and barometric pressure changes in Western New York wreak havoc on him, because they increase inflammation which increases pain.
- He does his best to have a happy demeanor when he sees people, especially former students, whose smiles and waves bring him joy.
For those of you who don’t know him, Mr. Calaiacovo is a decades-long champion of early childhood education and advocate for children finding their voices. He dedicated every spare minute of his career to creating safe spaces for children, because he knew innately this would help every child become lovers of learning. His former students and their parents will tell you that his dedication to strong foundations and reflective engagement remains one of his greatest gifts and legacies.
- Children’s literature was often Mark’s go-to resource for helping students achieve their potential. For him, literature and storytelling are critical to activating children’s minds and imaginations. In the classroom, he engaged students with print books and e-books to help them develop compassionate critical thinking about the stories, but also their own lives, communities, and futures.
- Mr. Calaiacovo also knew that engaging stories brings confidence to children – especially when they realized they could dive into books on their own. Even when they thought they hated reading, or they were frustrated because they felt they couldn’t read, Mark knew how to help students learn that they could like books and reading, however it was possible for them. He would sit with the students, ask them about their interests or hobbies, select stories that matched, and then share their joy when they succeeded in finishing a story. “You’re a learner!” he would exclaim with a big smile.
- Mark remained dedicated to this practice throughout his career, the majority of which he served as an early childhood educator. And he still shares that wisdom today, when he talks to people with children who ask for his guidance. Because as he would tell us, the beginning is the most important part of the work. By learning how and why people tell stories, children learn to care greatly for the stories of other people. They also understand that they have their stories to tell. Encountering different ways people tell stories helps students choose ways to tell their own.
Mark has also always been a very active person, at work and at home. He believes that keeping moving and staying strong are central to his health, but also his contributions as an educator. In fact, he ran short races, long races, and completed 11 marathons.
- In his work as Mr. Calaiacovo, he took this same passion to school, encouraging students to keep themselves active and learning. Like with Track and Field Day, cheering participants on by name through each event.
- He engaged their creativity and motor skills, however the students were able, through art projects like cut-outs of Thanksgiving turkeys or spring flowers, inspired by a story he’d shared.
- Mark also kept them active, successful learners of math and science through engagement with puzzles, blocks, and all kinds of natural materials in different learning stations.
During his career, Mr. Calaiacovo was a bundle of enthusiasm and optimism. He moved around the classroom and the building, keeping everyone active and excited about learning. His students, colleagues, and friends always loved him for these qualities.
- Mark engaged students in so many creative activities, because he knew that creativity is a form of play, and play helps strengthen abstract thinking. Drawing themselves alongside historical figures they studied, or creating their own characters and acting out their stories, students enriched their abilities to put the abstract into the concrete.
- To this day, some students now in their early adult years and their parents keep that play alive when they see him: they sing the “Mr. Calaiacovo” melody (based off the gallop of “The William Tell Overture”) which a former parent came up with to capture his energetic teaching practice.
The struggles begin
Months after Mark’s 2019 retirement, he contracted life-threatening heart and spine infections. The conditions and the treatment lasted into 2020. Since then, Mr. Calaiacovo’s health has undergone steady, sometimes accelerated decline – even though it doesn’t look like it – despite his best efforts to live a healthy life. He has continued to be hit hard by, among other changes:
- Decreasing heart function
- Increasing spinal degeneration (especially foraminal narrowing/stenosis, disc bulging, and spinal curvature)
- Decreasing range of mobility (neck, lower back, and arms)
- Decreasing strength
For many months, Mark was dedicated to getting better. And it seemed he was improving. But it wasn’t too long before he had to surrender things that brought him pleasure, provided stress relief, and kept him healthy.
- Because appointments to manage his conditions increased, Mr. Calaiacovo had to gradually, but increasingly, reduce post-retirement substitute teaching – his plan for staying professionally engaged and personally fulfilled. And this has been a deep loss for him.
- Physically, Mark was still able to walk. In fact he walked as much as he could, to keep active, keep joints moving, blood flowing, and restrengthen his heart damaged by the endocarditis.
- But Mark did eventually have to surrender running. Those of us who would see him in Orchard Park before 2020, know that running was central to his life, and as much of a passion as teaching. We used to see Mr. Calaiacovo all over town, exercising for fun or training for races. He tried to run a few times, and initially he felt alright. But by 2021 and especially 2022, the pain became too great.
As the pain increased, Mr. Calaiacovo’s pain management providers were exceptional in guiding him. Early on, they explained that his infectious history restricted him to very conservative pain management:
- Oral pain medication, physical therapy, epidurals, and steroid injections.
- Surgery that would most often prevent further damage or pain wasn’t an option for Mark.
- Unfortunately, structural damage to his spine slowly progressed and intensified over the years, even with daily physical activity.
The struggles continue
Since mid-2022, Mr. Calaiacovo’s situation started to become even more agonizing. He continues to fight, but the battle is getting tougher. In addition to the chronic conditions since 2019, he’s now suffering from:
- Multiple inexplicable tendon tears – both rotator cuff muscles in both shoulders, left bicep, left scapula, right hamstring
- Alarming levels of pancreatic enzymes, the source of which remains unknown – this causes systemic malnourishment, significant weakening, and a 15-20% weight loss he can’t regain
- Worsening neck and lower back pain, with increased stiffening
- Consistent challenges with heart function and overall circulation – he still tries to complete short walks for heart health (unfortunately, the movement now exacerbates pain, which shortens his walks or leaves him exhausted and out of breath after)
With continued expert guidance, Mark works to manage the battle with chronic pain, the effect of persistent, serious malnourishment, and possible systemic damage from both conditions.
As a result, Mr. Calaiacovo has had to sacrifice more.
- In Fall 2024, he had to stop substitute teaching altogether, to be able to manage appointments and treatments, and the rest needed in between.
- He cannot regain the 15-20 pounds he’s lost from malnourishment, even with the support from his providers. Not absorbing nutrition properly often keeps him fatigued and physically weak.
- At times, the weakness along with the systemic pain is so severe, that he doesn’t feel up for social interaction – which is a real loss for him, because he’s always felt inspired after engaging with people he would see around town.
- Mark still cannot run. And the way things are going, it seems less and less likely he’ll be able to run again.
- Walking, which he continues to do to stay active and help take care of his heart conditions, often makes pain worse, because of how it intensifies his left shoulder pain alone.
- There are days he can complete a short walk with some satisfaction. And others where he can hardly complete a short walk. Or when he does, the pain radiates, or he’s extremely short of breath.
- The pain and the suffering are also exacerbated by additional factors – including whenever someone surprises or startles him from behind.
- Because of the tendon tears and increasing spinal degeneration, Mark has less ability to exercise effectively on his own, and to regain strength. Physical therapy and guided training have provided some support. But with all the specialist consultations and additional challenges, scheduling the appointments has become increasingly difficult. When Mark can make it to the gym, he follows the PT plan to the letter because the risk of self-injury is high.
The effort to solve the mysteries behind the new changes has been exceptionally time-consuming and difficult.
- In 2023, Mr. Calaiacovo spent extended time and money out of state consulting with several specialists, trying to get some answers and relief.
- After returning to Western New York, he consulted with local specialists in gastroenterology, dermatology, infectious disease, and more.
- They’ve dug deep: since January 2025 alone, Mark has had almost 10 MRIs with contrast, scores of lab tests, and more.
But answers and solutions have evaded the providers, except that:
- The four tendon tears in his left shoulder are so profound that, clinically, he could qualify for a full replacement. But because he’s so unwell, surgery isn’t an option.
- He clinically warrants similar treatment of the area of the spine infected in 2019, which continues to worsen. But that option is also ruled out.
What’s worse is that Mark has been told since early 2025, that test results are likely indicative of a very complex, underlying systemic condition that requires immediate, comprehensive attention.
- This undiagnosed disorder is likely impairing his already compromised system even more, causing his immune system to attack his body, or both.
- Left undiagnosed and untreated, more tears will occur, the severe malnourishment will increase, his heart function could worsen, his body could (and already is) rejecting some treatments, and his health will continue to decline.
Because of this, Mark has been advised that, for the time being, pain management treatments must be even more conservative.
- This includes a hold on the epidurals and steroid injections and similar injectable treatments that used to help.
- Providers have adjusted his oral pain medications to help. But acute pain episodes sometimes just beat him down despite his determination.
Clearly Mark’s life has become that of a full-time patient with very complex health problems. He keeps fighting, but the fight is harder. And he wants to contribute to life however he can.
- He’s considering starting one-on-one tutoring, to interact with students, provide them support, find some professional fulfillment, and make a little additional income.
- The time commitment is entirely contingent on his appointment/treatment schedule, level of energy, and what he learns at the centers of excellence.
- So the hours per week he’ll be available may well be low, contingent on any treatment plan and needed rest.
The vital treatments
The bit of silver lining is that there are vital options which can help provide Mark some relief and could possibly bring some answers.
- Both will also require more expense. And this puts more strain on the already over-burdened budget of an unfortunately very unwell person.
For some time, Mr. Calaiacovo’s main providers have endorsed palliative treatments – acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, sound wave therapy, and more – to provide him support. The list of treatments is below.
- With the increased health decline since 2022, and now the need to pause treatments like steroid injections, his providers are encouraging him to increase the palliative care when he can.
- Unfortunately, the treatments aren’t covered by insurance for Mark’s conditions, or they’re not covered at all.
- The out-of-pocket costs the past two years have neared $20,000 beyond current household income.
- Not being able to substitute as Mark had originally planned has also eliminated any possibility of supplemental funds.
- To pay for the treatments, he has made more sacrifices: exhausting much of his retirement savings, or cutting out some of the treatments to be able to afford others.
Since January 2025, Mark’s local providers began urging and guiding him to go to out-of-town centers of excellence which focus on complex cases like his.
- Centers of excellence are specialized healthcare centers that provide expert-level care, research, and innovation. They are recognized for their high standards, cutting-edge treatments, and multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
- Mr. Calaiacovo’s primary care provider worked with him on urgent referrals to the centers. And the first of more visits have already begun.
- The care itself at many of the centers should be covered by insurance.
- But because the centers are out of state, he’ll have to travel to and stay near the centers for at least two full days per visit, which means at least three nights of lodging, food, and more.
The fundraiser
This fundraiser is to help Mr. Calaiacovo reduce stressors to his health, provide him some respite, and maybe bring him a little joy and hopefully some solutions.
Any contribution you can make, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference for Mark. We know he will be moved and grateful. You’re welcome to contribute openly or anonymously, the platform is built to accommodate your preference. Please feel free to add words of support or fond memories via comments, even short ones, if you’re inclined. We know Mr. Calaiacovo will enjoy your cheering him on.
We also ask that you share this GoFundMe link widely. We really want to save Mark from any more decline or pain, as best as we can. And to help him, however possible, enjoy some of his retirement, which might include continuing to set the tone of learning for today’s young generation.
With much gratitude,
Friends and former student parents of Mr. Calaiacovo
Palliative treatments and center of excellence expenses
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) 2.0 ATA
Floods the body with oxygen to force out pathogens and promote healing
3-5 times a week
~$180/60-minute session; discounts exist for packages
Medical acupuncture (postponed since early 2024 due to costs) Promotes systemic healing, immune system, reduces anxiety, brings oxygen to the brain
1-2 times a week
~$85/30-minute session
Softwave therapy (postponed since early 2024 due to costs)
Sends high acoustic sound waves to sites of pain to promote blood circulation and oxygen flow, with potential to heal
1-3 times a week
$100-150/session
Guided strength training/physical therapy (when not covered by insurance)
2-3 times a week
$45/session
Myers IV treatments and saline IV treatments
Delivers systemic hydration and resupply of vitamins lost due to systemic malnourishment
Each IV 1 time a week
$150/session for Myers IV
$75/session for saline
Provider-recommended supplements to support heart health and digestion, alleviate pain, support immune system
$400/month
Average cost for center of excellence stays (lodging, food, transportation)
~$175/day
Each stay is likely to be a minimum of three days (2 nights)
Co-organizers (2)
Mary Pearce
Organizer
Orchard Park, NY
Mark Calaiacovo
Beneficiary
Tobi Stewart
Co-organizer