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Mark's Medical Fund

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Mark Advent is a loving husband and dedicated father. He is one of the good guys with a heart of gold; honest, loving, hard-working and true. Throughout his life, as often happens, many curve balls have been thrown his way and have knocked him off his feet, leaving him only to pick himself up, dust himself off and “drive on”.

During the recent recessions, there were many job losses, as the companies for whom Mark worked closed their doors, leaving him without an income to support the family he loves so much. After each job loss Mark looked his wife, Lisa, in the eye and said, “It will be okay; I’ll find something. You take care of our family and I’ll find work.” They worked as a team raising and homeschooling their four children, Matthew, Steve, Kathryn and Liz, together through thick and thin just as they promised each other. As many American families, Mark and Lisa were not alone with repeated job losses. Finally, he just had enough and decided to be his own boss. This is not as easy as it sounds - filling the days with any work that he could find and that came his way. Over time, Mark studied, persevered, became a true role model for his entire family, and developed Advent Home Services. The business grew and he almost single handedly recovered from the recession that hit so many, so very hard - until 2011, when congestive heart failure, literally, took his breath away.

A week or two down and Mark was back up and running, trying to make a difference again. Although this time, he worked even harder; he never gave in. Mark knew there was no rest for the weary, dedicated fathers, loyal husbands and the self-employed. To the amazement of his doctors, Mark kept working until August 15, 2014 - he couldn’t do it anymore; it was time to stop, but never to give up. The heart of the man with a heart of gold is wearing out.

Up until May 2014 there was no health insurance and the mountain of medical bills continues to grow. Because of the repeated job losses and now illness, the family’s savings has been depleted. After years of illness, and after the shortest recorded wait on a heart transplant list for Emory University, Mark received a new heart on August thirtieth. His family has remained with him, and as always Mark and Lisa know they will get through this whirlwind of a heart transplant together.

Even though they are through the transplant there are many obstacles to come

Mark is very tired, even more now he race is not over; there is much to do with the family he loves with all his heart. It is said that no one does anything alone and this humble family can attest to that as being true. At times when things seemed so dark and there was just no way out, Francis Mark Advent led his family to continue to look up. With your help and with the help the of The Almighty Himself, anything can be overcome If you are so moved and can pay it forward to help Mark and his family, please make your donation to the Mark Advent Heart Transplant Fund here or at Palmetto Bank South Carolina.

“May The Lord bless you and keep you. May The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26
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  • Sonya Shepherd
    • $25 
    • 8 yrs
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Francis Mark Advent
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Simpsonville, SC
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