Hello Friends and Family,

This is Moriah and Mark Anthony Ballard II, writing on behalf of our family and our father, Mark A. Ballard Sr.

We never imagined we would be writing something like this.

On July 1, 2024, our father went in for what was supposed to be a routine and minimally invasive surgery to correct his intestines which had twisted, to repair a hernia, and mend a hole in his stomach. Instead, the procedure caused life-altering complications with medical professionals admitting that they cut his intestinal tract too short.

This was the start of a nightmare turned reality.

Since that surgery, he has faced severe malnutrition and drastic weight loss (He went from being over 200 lbs to some times less than 130 lbs). These complications have led to countless ER trips, unplanned doctor’s visits, and long-term hospital stays. Though he has tried to keep his businesses and our family afloat, he has been unable to work for over a year, losing more than $175,000 in income.

But that was just the beginning…

• Following the malnutrition diagnosis, he was put on a feeding tube due to his declining health.

• After the feeding tube was placed at the Cleveland Clinic-Fairview, nurses attempted to help him stand. The tube and all of his surgical drains fell out, forcing an emergency surgery the very next day. This required opening his stomach vertically (similar to a C-section) to clean out the abdomen and replace the tube.

• Fast forward to September 2025: the replacement tube (The 2nd tube) has also fallen out, and his abdominal wound is now infected.

• Now, they have placed feeding tube #3 inside of him. Every single day, a nurse comes to our home to pack gauze into the open incision in hopes it will heal. But after weeks, the wound remains open, leaving him in constant pain and at risk of further complications.

Here are words directly from our father, Mark A. Ballard Sr.:

“I’m physically and emotionally drained. This sickness has affected my commitments, my family, and my ability to serve in the work I’ve dedicated my life to. As a business owner, mentor, radio leader, and someone who has always given back, this is hard to ask… but I truly need your help.”

We are asking for support to help cover:

• Daily wound care and nursing support

• Out-of-pocket medical supplies and medications

• Basic living expenses for our family while he cannot work

• Support for his full-time caregivers

• Months of overdue bills after major income loss

If you know our father, you know he has always shown up for others by preaching hope, feeding the community, mentoring youth, uplifting artists, and raising his voice for those in need. Now, he is the one who needs lifting.

If you can give, any amount helps. And if you cannot give, please keep The Ballard Family in your prayers or share this page with someone who may be able to help.

Your love, your prayers, and your support mean more to us than words can express.

With a grateful heart,

Mark, Sandra, Mark Anthony, and Moriah Ballard