My name is Gary Weidner Jr, and I’m fundraising for my friend Mark. Thirteen years ago, he lost his wife and became the sole caregiver for his daughter Leah, who needs additional care because of her special needs. Mark has managed with love and determination, but this past month has been overwhelming: both of his cars broke down, his own health problems have worsened, and because he can only work part-time, he can’t keep up financially. His family has helped as much as they can, but they’re tapped out. Mark urgently needs a dependable car and a little breathing room to keep caring for Leah and himself.

Mark’s been limited to part-time work, because of the extra care Leah requires. Despite the challenges, he’s always put Leah first and made things work with help from family and his own perseverance. Now, after both of his cars failed within weeks, one having significant mechanical problems beyond repair, and the other caught fire while driving a friend. Mark is without reliable transportation. It has been a struggle to coordinate rides to appointments, which are very important for both their own health. Mark is spending money he doesn’t have on rides just to cover basics. Adding to the strain, his own health issues are making caregiving and daily life harder than ever.

A safe, dependable vehicle will give Mark and Leah the stability they desperately need. It means keeping Leah on track with her care, helping Mark manage his health, and giving their family a chance to move forward after years of struggle.

Mark is one of the most selfless people I know. For more than a decade, he’s sacrificed his own comfort, health, and time to give Leah and the rest of his family the best care possible. His

How You Can Help

Donate — even $10 helps cover gas or a medical copay.

Share — post this fundraiser on social media, group chats, or with two friends. Sharing is just as powerful as donating.

Offer leads — if you know of a safe, affordable car or a dealership willing to help, please reach out. We have one potentially lined up, and any other promising offers would be muchly appreciated.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

$25 → Gas for a week of therapy trips

$50 → A medical co-pay or car insurance payment

$100 → Keeps Leah on schedule with her appointments

$250 → Contributes to registration, taxes, and insurance

$500+ → Major step toward purchasing a reliable vehicle

Overall goal: $6,500

Even if we don't hit the goal, any amount will help cover the cost of a safe used car, insurance and registration, and a small cushion to ease Mark’s immediate health and household expenses.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Mark, Leah, and their family. Your generosity makes it possible for them to keep moving forward.