Donation protected
On September 28th, Mark was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a soft tissue form of cancer that is somewhat rare and often undiagnosed until it is in later stages. Mark's cancer was identified as a Stage IV. A tumor in his right pelvic area was detected and has already metastasized to his brain and lungs. He was given a prognosis of a 12-24 month life expectancy if treatment was successful. Since there is no cure, Mark's comfort and time are the hopes that he and his wife Kim, along with their five children, friends and family have clung to.
Due to the fact that Mark is battling a very aggressive form of cancer an aggressive treatment plan was needed. He was forced to leave work and begin using up his accumulated sick leave. This will end shortly, at which point he will begin short term disability. He will likely lose his income and need to pay for his health insurance benefits out of pocket. His wife, Kim, works as a preschool teacher at a church daycare. Kim has taken a leave of absence without pay so that she can be there to care for Mark and be with him at his appointments and treatments.
Shortly after diagnosis a round of chemo was initiated along with three targeted brain radiation sessions. At this time, the cancer has not responded to the chemo. His brain and lung tumors are increasing both in size and in number and the tumor in his groin has grown and is causing him considerable pain. Since treatment began, he has been hospitalized at the Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha on three separate occasions.
Currently, chemo has been placed on hold and he is receiving aggressive radiation to his brain and eventually his lungs and groin. His physical condition is weak and the outlook is discouraging, but Mark continues to fight with hope that the radiation will relieve some of his symptoms and give him more time with his loved ones and friends.
Mark and Kim have been blessed by the outpouring of generosity from friends and family, but as you can imagine the financial strain is starting to take a toll.
Those of you who know Mark as a friend, know him as a fun-loving guy who is always willing to lend a hand. As a Special Ed teacher he pours his heart and soul into his students helping them identify their worth by teaching life skills and job training. As a father, he taught his boys how to hunt and fish and was a role model to his daughter's of what a husband and father should be. And as a husband, his love, respect and adoration of Kim is seen in everything he says and does.
Mark and Kim rely on their faith daily to get them through the minutes, hours, and days ahead. If it is on your heart to donate to the Staroscik family I know they will be forever grateful. If you cannot give monetarily, prayers are most definitely welcome.
Due to the fact that Mark is battling a very aggressive form of cancer an aggressive treatment plan was needed. He was forced to leave work and begin using up his accumulated sick leave. This will end shortly, at which point he will begin short term disability. He will likely lose his income and need to pay for his health insurance benefits out of pocket. His wife, Kim, works as a preschool teacher at a church daycare. Kim has taken a leave of absence without pay so that she can be there to care for Mark and be with him at his appointments and treatments.
Shortly after diagnosis a round of chemo was initiated along with three targeted brain radiation sessions. At this time, the cancer has not responded to the chemo. His brain and lung tumors are increasing both in size and in number and the tumor in his groin has grown and is causing him considerable pain. Since treatment began, he has been hospitalized at the Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha on three separate occasions.
Currently, chemo has been placed on hold and he is receiving aggressive radiation to his brain and eventually his lungs and groin. His physical condition is weak and the outlook is discouraging, but Mark continues to fight with hope that the radiation will relieve some of his symptoms and give him more time with his loved ones and friends.
Mark and Kim have been blessed by the outpouring of generosity from friends and family, but as you can imagine the financial strain is starting to take a toll.
Those of you who know Mark as a friend, know him as a fun-loving guy who is always willing to lend a hand. As a Special Ed teacher he pours his heart and soul into his students helping them identify their worth by teaching life skills and job training. As a father, he taught his boys how to hunt and fish and was a role model to his daughter's of what a husband and father should be. And as a husband, his love, respect and adoration of Kim is seen in everything he says and does.
Mark and Kim rely on their faith daily to get them through the minutes, hours, and days ahead. If it is on your heart to donate to the Staroscik family I know they will be forever grateful. If you cannot give monetarily, prayers are most definitely welcome.
Organizer
Megan Lindley-Cooley
Organizer
Omaha, NE