Support Mark's Journey of Recovery

On behalf of the George family: Our dear Mark recently underwent a major unexpected, emergency open-heart surgery that had significant complications. This page is to help the family with medical bills, as they fight this medical battle to get Mark out of the ICU, into recovery, and back home. Your support and donations mean more than words could ever express. We have deep gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and giving heart. Donations will go to Heather George (Mark’s wife). Heather is a pre-school teacher who had to resign today from her position, due to all the time away caring for Mark. Heather is also a brain cancer survivor since 2007. 

Mark’s medical overview story:

Mark’s open-heart surgery consisted of having both his aorta and aortic valve taken out and replaced, a liter of liquid drained from his lung, an arterial vein taken from his leg and put in his chest, and much infected tissue removed. After the surgery was complete and some hours later, Mark suffered a stroke. The stroke has caused loss of movement on the majority of his right side. His kidneys also went into renal failure, and he is now on dialysis for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the doctors determined Mark is suffering from aphasia now, and he’s not able to speak. Mark was most recently intubated again as he was unresponsive and began having unexpected seizures.

The past 6 days have been up and down on his progress. Each day is new information, and he keeps fighting to overcome the complications. His family is alongside him, supporting him through it. His wife, Heather George, his son Eli, his brothers and their wives, Jimmy and Cindy, Laura and Jeff, mother Alana, as well as his nephews, and many others.

The origin of this story started last October after Mark's initial open-heart surgery. However, after having much difficulty in reaching full recovery from the first surgery, Mark got a second and third medical opinion about what was going on with his heart. He learned that his aorta and new aortic valve were infected (known as Aortitis). All of the doctors, including the chief cardiac surgeon, agreed that a full aorta and aortic valve replacement was the only option for Mark, and he underwent a Bentall Procedure. Though the surgery went relatively okay, the recovery process for his body has been very difficult and has led to major medical complications.

Please keep this family in your prayers!