No one expects the Spanish Inquisition - on that, we can all agree. And when that ominous knock sounds at our door, how many of us are truly prepared?

Such is the case with Mark - our friend, colleague, neighbor, and family member.

After months of doctors visits and misdiagnoses, a cancer diagnosis was the knock that sounded upon his door. Yet through it all, Mark has remained his optimistic self. Never a victim, he continues to focus on and support those who are most important in his life - his partner, Jorge, Jorge's disabled brother, DJ, and their beautiful Belgian Malinois, Joey (whom Mark rescued as a stray and loves like his own child).

Mark continues to work full time, even through months of physical discomfort and the mental strain of knowing that a squamous cell carcinoma is eating away at his jaw bone every minute of every day. And he will continue working - even taking on over time when it's available - until the day before his surgery takes place so that he can earn as much income as possible before the section of cancerous bone is removed and replaced with bone from his thigh. With his jaw wired shut for three to four months, it will be impossible for Mark to work since his job is in telephone support.

Mark and his family will lose $5,000 to $7,000 of income while he is recovering from this life-saving surgery. And as the primary earner in his family, this loss of income could result in the loss of their apartment and their car.

We never know when hardship will strike, who it will affect, or how harshly it may impact someone's life. But we can all be there to help when the Inquisition comes knocking on our friend's or neighbor's door by donating to help them make it through, what may be, the toughest time in their life.

Your monetary support for Mark and his family is appreciated more than words can express. Thank you!