Donate to help off-set Home Care Costs

Hello, my name is Nancy Parsons and I’m fundraising to help with in-home care for my good friend Mark Luhr. His wife Beth and I have been lifelong friends. She and Mark introduced me to my husband Russ, who grew up with Mark and has maintained their friendship through all of life’s ups and downs.

Anyone who knows Mark, would say he’s a man who always has a smile on his face, a joke in his back pocket and a hunting story to tell. His outgoing, friendly disposition draws you in. If help was needed on anything, he would be there without hesitation.

It started in the summer of 2019. Small things were noticed like forgetfulness, unsteadiness and trouble focusing. This was addressed with his primary doctor and subsequently referred to a neurologist. After a year of testing he was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) and was sent to a neurosurgeon. NPH is a brain disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain's ventricles, causing thinking and reasoning problems, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control. A shunt was inserted into his brain on 2/2/21 to drain excess fluid.

Despite the shunt, the symptoms continued. Appointments were made with two different neurologists who have been working together, to determine the cause of the continued symptoms. Testing continues and it is thought that he may also have Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). FTD, a common cause of dementia, is a group of disorders that occur when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost. This causes the lobes to shrink. FTD can affect behavior, personality, language, and movement. This will not be confirmed until other similar diagnoses are ruled out.

Being a diabetic adds to the complications, as symptoms continue to progress. Falling has been an issue for Mark, some falls serious enough to have him admitted to the hospital. He has progressed from a cane, to a walker, and now full-time wheelchair. The family has purchased a hospital bed and a wheelchair ramp has been installed to assist with getting him to his numerous doctor appointments.

Mark is aware of his cognitive decline. Coupled with having to now live with a catheter, Mark is very depressed at times.

Prior to this Mark was extremely active. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and the many projects he completed at each home he has lived in.

Unfortunately, care to keep him in his home is expensive and requires out-of-pocket funding. The plan is to keep him home surrounded by familiarity, family and friends. This proves difficult without costly in-home care. Please consider supporting Mark and his family to help lessen the financial burden his care requires. His family is deeply appreciative.