Our dear friend Mark needs our help.

As many of you know, Mark (58) has been courageously battling bladder cancer since 2023. He has fought long and hard and has reached a critical point in his treatment. The best possible outcome requires the immediate removal of his bladder and a complex surgery to create a neobladder. This miraculous procedure involves removing the bladder and constructing an internal pouch from a portion of his intestine, which is then connected to his kidneys and urethra. He has been approved for this treatment and surgery will take place on February 16, 2026.

The surgery will take place at Duke University Medical Center and will require a lengthy hospital stay followed by several months of recovery. While Mark has a full-time job and health insurance, the out-of-pocket medical expenses, combined with an extended period away from work, will be financially overwhelming.

Many of you have asked how you can help. By starting this GoFundMe, we’re giving everyone the opportunity to support Mark during this incredibly challenging time. We’ve set a minimum goal of $50,000 to help Mark focus fully on healing without the added stress of financial burden. He will be taking every measure at his disposal to set up delayed mortgage payments and to cover other costs of living while he recovers, but as we all know, sometimes our well-planned safety nets are not enough, and we need help to get us through the last battle.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

· Medical expenses not covered by insurance

· Lodging in Durham following surgery so he can remain close to his medical team

· Lost income and living expenses during his extended recovery period

If you know Mark personally, the decision to contribute is an easy one - he has shared so much love, kindness and light with everyone around him. He cares deeply for others and has made countless lives more vibrant and beautiful. If you’re reading this as a friend of a friend, please know that Mark is truly one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet. He is selfless, empathetic and always spreading positive energy and love. No one is more deserving of your kindness and generosity.

Any donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Please also consider sharing this campaign. Let’s surround Mark with the same love and light he has so freely given to all of us. We will continue to provide updates around the outcome of surgery and his recovery.