If you're reading this, you may already know the kind of people that Mark and Cathy Burns are.  The kind of friends that everyone wishes to have, the kind of people who are there for everyone, always ready to lend a hand, give a hug, watch a kid or two, and are always helping in any way they can. 

 Mark and Cathy are facing a trying time as Mark prepares for a kidney transplant.  This is a long and arduous process, involving lots of travel to different hospitals in different states, often for an entire day of testing and paperwork.  The search for a donor is far and wide, and so far there is one woman who may be a match. She will come to NY for full testing in December, and I know we'll all be praying that she's the one! Of course, Mark and Cathy will be hosting her while she is in the area, as they want her to be as comfortable and cared for as possible. 

 In the meantime, Mark is hoping to not have to go on dialysis. Though feeling unwell, he is pushing through, and doesn't want to stop working and providing for his family. He's about as strong as they come, but he is going to have to scale back at work, and Cathy has taken on several extra jobs to try and fill in the gaps. As miraculous as organ donation is, there are many facets of the process that aren't covered by insurance.  Missed work, co-pays, and the costs that the donor is going to incur, to name just a few. 

 The last thing we want our friends to worry about are their finances.  It's our hope and prayer that with just a little breathing room they can feel more peaceful and able to focus on what matters, which is returning Mark to good health. 

 So we ask for friends to come together in any way they are able, and are asking for donations to help carry Mark and Cathy through this journey. I know it won't be easy for them to accept, since they're so used to being the ones doing the helping! But, it's time that some of the good they do comes back to them...and that they feel the support that they always give so freely. 

 Thanks so much for reading. And know that support comes in many forms. So if you're unable to donate, then please remember Mark, Cathy, Jessica and their donor in your prayers as they walk this path back to health!