Support Mark Beard's Battle with Lewy Body Dementia

A short time ago, my beloved uncle, Mark Beard, was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), an incurable brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, and behavior, eventually leading to cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, movement issues similar to Parkinson’s, and sleep disturbances.

Despite just turning 67 years old, the extremely rapid progression of his disease has already caused him to lose the ability to read, write, prepare his own meals, drive a car, go for a walk alone, use his smartphone, shave, pick out his own clothes & get dressed… along with many other things we all do on a daily basis and often take for granted.

It has really turned his life and the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who love him upside down, emotionally and financially.

I want to share his story with the hope of not only bringing awareness to LBD but also in an effort to help raise funding for his care as the progression of his disease has exponentially accelerated in the past year.

Here is his story:

Mark Beard was born in 1957 in DuBois, PA, and was raised in Brockway before his family relocated to Minnesota, where he lived until the fourth grade. He spent the rest of his childhood and young adulthood in Rockton, PA, with his 2 younger sisters —Doreen and Annie— his 2 older brothers —Butch and Dennis— and his parents —Guy and Beverly Beard.

Mark’s early passion for design led him to pursue a degree in architectural design at Jeff Tech in Reynoldsville, PA. Throughout his school years, he was also an avid football player, representing the Oklahoma Tigers and DuBois Beavers in both elementary and high school until his graduation in 1975.

After high school, Mark attended Edinboro University before transferring to Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree. His academic journey didn't stop there; he went on to obtain an MBA from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, further honing his business acumen.

Mark’s professional career began at Rockwell in DuBois, but he soon moved on to prominent roles at AT&T and Lucent Technologies, where he served as an executive. His work took him across the globe, including destinations like Singapore and China. During this time, Mark also designed and built his own home, a testament to his skills in architectural design.

Mark eventually settled in Reading, PA, and later moved to Wyomissing and Sinking Springs, where he has spent the majority of his adult life.

In June 2001, he married his wife Kathy, and together they raised two children, Zach and Abigail. Mark was a devoted family man and cherished spending time with his children and three grandchildren. His hobbies included fishing, traveling, and attending Penn State football games as well as Pittsburgh Steelers games. He particularly enjoyed fishing trips with friends to Canada, a tradition that brought him much joy.

Before Mark’s battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) began, he cared for Kathy during her own fight with cancer. His unwavering support and dedication during her treatment were a testament to his love and commitment. Unfortunately, shortly after Kathy’s recovery, Mark was diagnosed with early-onset LBD in his late 50s—a condition for which there is currently no cure. This diagnosis forced him into early retirement, and as his condition progressed, Kathy retired to become his full-time caregiver.

Today, Mark requires assistance with all activities of daily living, including dressing, eating, and making basic choices.

As Mark and Kathy face these immense challenges together, we are asking for donations to help with his ongoing care and medical needs. Your support will make a significant difference in ensuring Mark receives the care he requires during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will go directly towards his care.

For those that cannot contribute monetarily, we kindly ask that you share Mark’s story with others.

Mark’s legacy thus far is one of dedication, both in his professional achievements and his deep love for his family and community. His life is a reminder of the importance of resilience, love, and support in the face of adversity. Thank you for taking the time to hear his story.