Let's Help Lynn & Mark Penlington

Hi Everyone,

Mark has been like a father to me for the last 25 years and has been unwavering in his support in my personal life at a time of need. Now he as well as my Mom Lynn needs help.

Mark has been suffering immeasurably for 4 years now since 2020 with an autoimmune disease called pemphigus vulgaris which causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes throughout his body. It affects the mouth, nose, throat, and eyes. He has been unable to swallow and has had many procedures that stretch his throat so that he can get food down. He has lost a considerable amount of weight. On top of this, Mark has diabetes as well as shingles and has recently been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma which is the most common type of low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma and there is no known cure. He is currently having chemotherapy for this. Doctor and hospital visits are frequent and constant. My mom still works full time because benefits are essential for Mark’s care and I think that they both feel as though the world is coming down around them.

On top of the exhaustion, constant worry; watching my step-dad in pain almost constantly, money being tight, lost work hours, and Mark not being able to work, it has been a very long and painful road for both of them.

I am starting this GFP hoping that they might receive a bit of help from those who care, so that their lives feel a little easier. I think many of us may have been in a position at a time in our lives where we had special people show up to support, encourage and lend a helping hand in a time of pain, sadness, and difficulty. I am praying that this small effort will help.

The bible says that God helps us in all of our troubles, so that using the same love, we are able to help others in their troubles. Therefore, I would ask that if you’ve ever been helped by a friend, family member OR total stranger at a time in your life when you just didn’t know where next to turn, that you might think of my Mom and Dad at this most painful time in both of their lives.