March 14, 2024, My husband, Mark Hillman was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, a diagnosis that has profoundly altered the course of his life. While in the hospital, the Drs. had determined that Mark was losing blood. One of the tumors had caused bleeding in his small intestine. He had two procedure to try and stop the bleeding but they were unsuccessful. We were told there was nothing else they could do. We requested he be transferred to The Cleveland Clinic. they accepted Mark immediately and transferred him to the Cleveland Clinic MICU. After another procedure and 13 pints of blood transfusions, they finally stopped the bleeding. Mark was finally able to go home after 16 days in the hospital. Mark then began visiting with the oncology team as an outpatient. We went to his first appointment. During that appointment, we also began working with the Palliative care team. During his second visit with the oncology Dr. Mark had become very confused. They decided to do some labs before we left. The next day while at home, we received a call from the nurse. She said Mark needed to go to the ER because his calcium levels were extremely high, this is caused by the particular type of cancer Mark has. I took Mark to saint Elizabeth and he was immediately admitted. After a few days, they were able to get the calcium levels down. I took Mark back home and got a plan for treatment of the cancer. We went to his next oncology appointment, There was a tumor that was very concerning to the oncology Dr. This tumor was protruding through his spine (T4) and dangerously close to his spinal cord. It was serious enough that they asked me to take Mark over to the ER to be admitted so that they could begin treatment on that area right away.. Mark was admitted and immediately scheduled for a radiation treatment, hoping that within a few days it would begin to shrink the tumor. A few days after the treatment, Mark was released and sent home with several medications. About 7 days later, Mark kept having issues with his calcium again and was having trouble trying to stand. I called 911 and Mark was taken to saint Elizabeth by ambulance. While there, It appeared that Mark was beginning to lose function and feeling in his lower extremities. Within a day Mark was not able to move his feet or legs. We asked that he be immediately transferred back to Cleveland Clinic. He was transferred by ambulance to Cleveland. The Drs. immediately began treating Mark with steroids to try and reduce the swelling in his spine., Unfortunately, the treatment was delayed to long and has now caused Mark to be permanently paralyzed from the chest down presenting him with a new set of obstacles to overcome. Mark will be released and transferred to an acute rehab facility for further treatment.

The journey since his diagnosis has been filled with moments of fear, uncertainty, and pain. However, it has also been marked by incredible acts of kindness, support, and resilience from my friends and family.

Today, we are reaching out to you because I find Mark in need of further assistance. The financial burden of medical treatments, therapy, and specialized equipment is immense. Despite the challenges he faces, Mark Is determined to fight with every ounce of strength he has left.

Your donation would not only provide much-needed financial relief but also serve as a beacon of hope in his darkest moments. It would enable Mark to access the care and resources necessary to continue his battle against this relentless disease and work towards reclaiming his health and independence.

No contribution is too small, and every dollar makes a difference. Your generosity would not only support Mark on his journey but also inspire countless others facing similar challenges to never lose hope and to keep fighting against all odds.

Thank you for taking the time to read Marks story and for considering this request. Your kindness and compassion mean more to Mark than words can express.

With deepest gratitude,

Dale Hillman