Help Make Mark’s Heart “Rock” Solid Again

Mark Chiaramonte & his big heart are the main characters in this story, and what a character he is!! My name is Missy Franklin. I met Mark back in 2017. Since day one, he has always greeted me with a smile, a hug, a bad joke or two, & lots of energy & kindness. I am happy to call him my friend. When I see him, I know we are all about to have fun. He does this with numerous people each day, all the way from the West Coast to the East Coast. He’s very people friendly. I’ve witnessed him buy a Veteran lunch. Then he proceeds to tell him how thankful he is for his service. On another occasion he’s handed a homeless man his own sandwich, just so he didn’t go hungry. He’s very much about community, and giving and showing support, when & where he can. This hometown drummer from Connecticut put on his own fundraiser for his fellow rockers who perished or were injured in The Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island back in 2003. The funds that were raised went to those affected by this tragedy.

On November 17, 2022 Mark was traveling for another event as he usually does and found himself in Florida not feeling so great. He developed burning pain in his chest and things progressed quickly from there. He then found himself in the emergency room, where they took him into surgery right away. He had a stent put in to open up a blocked artery in his heart to allow the blood to flow again. While at the hospital they told him he had 90% blockage in three arteries and actually had a heart attack!! He was shocked and scared and so far away from home and his family. He was surrounded by his road family and felt their love and support. His doctors advised him that it was not in his best interest to try to fly home. He would be better off to drive and be on the ground in case an emergency issue were to arise. He was looking at a 20 hour road trip back to Connecticut. His brother, Ralph, flew down to Florida to help drive him home. Ralph never leaves his hometown in Connecticut. This was a big deal for him to travel and bring his brother Mark home, brotherly love. Since he couldn’t fly, his Road family came up with a game plan to get him home safely and quickly. Mr Mike and Carol Johnson would join the car trip home with his brother Ralph. Once the doctors released him, they would all take turns driving and get him home as soon as possible. Mark arrived safely back home in Connecticut on November 20th. He was relieved to be home. He knew his brother Ralph and his good friends Michele Griego DiGiovannantonio and Danielle Coulon could keep a watchful eye on him at home.

Now the waiting and stress begins for his next cardiology appointment. He needs to see what the experts have to say and what the plan is moving forward. There’s nothing worse than the whole world telling you to rest and relax. If you know Mark, and a lot of you do. It’s kind of impossible for him. This past week, he had an appointment on November 30th with his new cardiologist. He was informed at this visit, that he definitely needs open heart surgery. Currently his next appointment is with the cardiac surgeon on December 9th. He will get the rest of the details at that time. For now, he has been told to stay home, relax, and decrease stress. This is actually a huge hurdle for him to jump alone.

I, along with his friends Carol, Michelle, and Danielle are organizing this fundraiser to help Mark during his downtime. It’s hard to admit that any of us need help but sometimes we just have to read the writing on the wall. I post this with Mark’s permission. We don’t know the full extent of his prognosis and healing time. He is being told he will be down from anywhere from 6 to 10 months after surgery. We are trying to take one less worry off his plate. This way he can focus on healing and getting healthy again. Don’t think any donation is too small. If everyone that has met Mark and interacted with him over the years donates $5. We will be able to make this happen in no time. All donations received will go towards any out-of-pocket medical bills, his living expenses ( rent, utilities, food, etc. ), and any unseen cost while rehabbing at home after his upcoming surgery. The goal was based on the approximate recovery period that Mark was advised to stay at home.

As new information is presented, we will share it all with you here on his go fund me page. Prayers and positive vibes are always welcome too. Thank you all so much!! Let’s show Mark what big hearts we have too :-)