Help Mark Ver Steeg Regain Independence

Our good friend and former teaching buddy, Mark Ver Steeg, was struck with a strange ailment around the end of January and he put himself into the Kaiser ER ICU at the end of the month. The pain was intense, radiating from the spine outwards. Testing has shown he had a mild kidney infection and arthritis. While the pain was cleared up while in ICU, his ability to walk and be independent have not quickly returned, much to his frustration. He has been in Seal Beach Rehab (only one open and taking new patients at that time) for over a month, receiving Physical and Occupational Therapy, Progress has been slow but he is making progress. Strength is slowly returning and his endurance continues to grow.

A major worry Mark has is the requirement that he has Home Healthcare upon release. While he is on his teacher’s pension, with inflation and daily expenses, the additional costs of Home Healthcare won’t last very long. There are requirements by the state for how many days per week and hours per day he needs someone there to assist and make sure he’s eating properly as well as taking his meds. Costs start around $40/hour or more. For a month of three days, the cost is between $3600-$8,000/month.

We know times are tight right now, but Mark is pretty special to us and we want to see him quickly recover as best he can and start planning for the next stage of his life.

Sue Hart Carol Fassnacht

Sherry Toland Jannie Rivera

Dareen Yonts Jan Mullholland