Updated February 21st. Unfortunately last night he got admitted back into ICU. His temperature reached 103, but after being packed in ice overnight it has returned to normal. His blood pressure dropped as low as 72/44 and is still low at 95/65.

He is being treated for cellulitis and will likely remain hospitalized for a while. Doctors have restarted medications to help raise his blood pressure and have him on multiple antibiotics. His wound vac has been removed and the area is now being treated with wet gauze.

UPDATE: Mark had another surgery today. The surgeons removed additional damaged tissue and muscle. At this time, the muscle is still not responding to stimulation, but they were able to successfully close the wound on the upper part of his leg. The lower wound will require another procedure in a few weeks, where he will receive a skin graft. We are continuing to take things one step at a time and appreciate all the continued prayers and support.

Our dear friends Maria and Mark are facing an unimaginable battle, and they need our help.

In March 2024, Mark was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that had spread to his lymph nodes. After multiple surgeries, he continued working until August 2025, when severe illness forced him onto FMLA. A later PET scan revealed the cancer had spread to his liver. Following job termination in November and months without insurance coverage, they are still fighting insurance delays that have prevented him from receiving urgently needed immunotherapy treatment.

While already facing cancer, tragedy struck again. After an unexpected physical assault without even seeing it coming, outside their home, Mark suffered a catastrophic leg injury that severed a major artery. Surgeons performed an emergency bypass and a fasciotomy to relieve dangerous pressure in his calf, followed by another surgery to remove damaged tissue and muscle. His calf is still not responding to electrical stimulation, indicating significant nerve damage, and he now faces the possibility of losing his leg. It took four days and intensive medications to stabilize his blood pressure, and he continues battling high fevers while hospitalized.

His leg currently shows severe nerve and muscle damage, with CPK levels reaching 20,000 (normal is only a few hundred), and doctors are uncertain whether the muscle — or even the leg — can be saved. His kidneys have also been affected, with dangerously low urine output for several days, and he remains hospitalized battling complications, including persistent high fevers.

Maria and Mark are currently unable to work and are overwhelmed by mounting medical and living expenses. If you are able, please consider donating, sharing, or keeping them in your prayers. Every bit of support helps them focus on what matters most right now — Mark’s fight to heal and survive.

Mark has already accumulated thousands of dollars in medical expenses, with many more ahead. He is expected to remain hospitalized for an extended period, and once discharged, he will require specialized wound care as his injuries heal from the inside out. In addition, he will need future surgery to repair the ligaments around his knee that were severely stretched or torn, followed by extensive physical therapy during what will be a long and difficult recovery.

Thank you for standing with them during this incredibly difficult time.