Help the Hammett Family Heal: Mark's Road to Recovery

Hi friends,

My name is Grace Wegehaupt, and I’ve had the absolute privilege of babysitting for the Hammett family for the past four years. Over that time, they’ve become so much more than a family I help out—they’ve truly become a second family to me. They are some of the most generous, kind-hearted people I know, and now I’m asking for help on their behalf as they navigate an incredibly challenging season.

17 years ago Mark Hammet was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. On January 29th, Mark underwent a total proctocolectomy—a major surgery where they removed his entire large intestine, colon, rectum and appendix. The surgical team then created a jpouch with his small intestine, which was supposed to be healed in about 6-8 weeks. What should have been a tough but manageable recovery turned into a months-long battle, filled with complications and setbacks.

Mark was supposed to have a 4-6 day recovery in the hospital which turned into 9. His body continued to reject the surgery and that resulted in Mark being hospitalized for over 60 days total, with his longest and most recent stay lasting more than a month. He’s undergone numerous procedures and his kidneys stopped absorbing nutrients and electrolytes, so he now requires IV infusions and a feeding tube. Just this week, on April 21st, he finally underwent the reversal surgery—nearly six weeks later than planned.

While Mark has been fighting to recover, his amazing wife Ashley has been doing everything she can to hold their family together. She was working full-time, parenting their three young children on her own, and pregnant with their fourth.

On March 31st, baby Beau arrived early—happy and healthy after a quick NICU stay, thankfully—but life has been anything but easy. Ashley is now caring for Cameron (6), Lydia (4), Jack (1), and newborn Beau (3 weeks)—all while supporting Mark and managing the overwhelming emotional and financial weight these trying times have brought.

This GoFundMe is to give them some breathing room. To help with medical expenses, as Mark’s recovery once home will require IV infusions 3-4x a week, adding an additional $650 to their weekly expenses. To help with meals, diapers, childcare, and the mountain of “little things” that don’t feel so little when life is this hard. To give them a chance to just be together again, without the constant stress hanging over their heads.

They would never ask for this kind of help themselves—but I can, and I am.

If you’re able to donate, share this page, or send a kind word their way, please know it truly makes a difference. Let’s rally around this beautiful family and show them the same love they so freely give to others.

Thank you for being part of their village.

— Grace