Support Mark's Battle: Cancer & Financial Strain

Our dear friend Mark Boggs is facing serious health issues that are impacting his finances, and he may lose his home and other services to stay afloat through his cancer treatment. Mark has done a lot for others his entire life; this is an urgent appeal to help him at this critical time. Please read his recent update of Dec. 5, 2024, below, and donate what you can to help. All funds will be deposited to his checking account for him to withdraw as needed immediately. First goal is to catch up on $1,800 in HOA fees. Then mortgage & living expenses at $3,200/month. - Thank you, Gary Virginia (a longtime friend in San Francisco.)

From Mark: When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the spring of 2023, I knew it would be a challenge. Chemotherapy could save my life but it has serious side effects, both physically and mentally. The chemo worked and I’m in remission, knock on wood, but my treatment is expected to last into 2026. I’m also dealing with cervical spine issues, and bulging discs in my lower back.

I was a solar consultant for 13 years. Loved it and feel good about the difference I made helping homeowners use clean energy for over a decade. But, because of my cancer and other medical issues, I missed a lot of work last year and this year. I was let go from Sunrun, my dream job, July 26, 2024.

Before the diagnosis, in January of 2023, I was excited about buying my home. Unfortunately my last paycheck was early August and I had already spent my 401k and stocks to get into the house; then I kept up with bills. I can honestly say I am close to penniless right now. I'm almost 62 and struggling day to day, physically, mentally and now financially.

I’m unable to work with my medical and mental issues dealing with all of this. One can't get unemployment if you can’t work in Florida. I applied for disability but was told I'm ineligible. I’ve tried the Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and no luck. I was able to get food assistance, $290 a month, and have gone to local food banks. My family has been able to help me but they are not rich and I’m sure it puts stress on them.

I received a certified letter Thanksgiving week stating that my HOA was going to foreclose on my house.

I have 45 days to pay them $1,800. Most of that is lawyers' fees and costs, with a very small amount for actual dues.

I’ve been trying to sell furniture and stuff out of my house but have only been able do it online and haven’t had much luck. My HOAs will only allow us one day a year in April to have a yard sale. I’ve been trying to rent out half of my house with no luck; Mims, FL, isn’t exactly that exciting.

I’m now desperate. I don’t want to lose my house over an $1,800 bill but I have decided I’m ready to sell. Unfortunately there are 4-5 other homes in my neighborhood for sale so I doubt my house will sell quickly. I don't see anything positive coming my way. If I sell my house I’ll have to move in with family. I’ll have no money coming in until about April 2025 when I can get early retirement.

My health insurance ended last week and I don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare (so I’ve been told.) I just don’t see anything getting better.

Thank who to those who have sent me words of encouragement, helped me out financially and for just being friends, real or just virtual. I am thankful for each of you, especially my family. With everything going the way it is, there's a good chance I may not have access to social media in the near future. Phone, internet, etc., all cost money that I can no longer afford. But I will try to stay in touch.