My name is Angel Welch, and I am Mark's "Shark", childhood sweetheart and wife of forever. I am asking for any assistance so my husband will have one less worry while treating and recovering from head and neck cancer. My husband does not have FMLA or short-term disability to help carry us through until he recovers. The company he works for is too small to offer those options. He is our primary means of income. I do work full-time however I am unable to work at this time due to his condition and need for assistance. I am unfortunately unable to recieve Short term disability due to it being for him rather than myself.

The funds will be used for bills my savings can't cover including insurance coverage we are responsible for and allow me time to help him in his initial recovery from surgery and start of radiation and chemo.

Mark started having what we thought was a simple sore throat in May and was treated by his PCP with some antibiotics and told to return if no improvement. The sore throat improved, but his gland was huge and not getting smaller. With further testing, it came back suspicious. We followed through with different appointments and procedures using what little vacation time he had as well as me. He has been given a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the far-left base of his tongue and lymph nodes with the need for removal of the cancer and lymph nodes on his left side of the neck as well as possible radiation treatments post-surgery. He will be out of work an extended period of time due to the surgery, follow up visits and possible need for radiation therapy. The procedure is relatively invasive with possible complications. It is called a Selective Neck Dissection, and a partial glossectomy. My husband has worked his entire life and doesn't complain . He has helped those in need without question. He is a good man and human being. He is a proud veteran ,a father to three and a Gold Star Parent. Please consider helping us make it through until he is able to heal. To live without Mark would be trying to breathe without air.