Support Mark Hess’s Journey: MDS Treatment and Dreams

Hello Friends, many of you know Mark Hess, our dear friend. Mark has been going through some very difficult times, I would like to share with you his journey.

About two years ago, Mark was diagnosed with MDS, a type of bone marrow cancer also known as "preleukemia." Thanks to his treatment, Mark's symptoms have been relatively mild up to this point, which is great, but unfortunately treatments are in the early days of research. At some point he will need a full bone marrow transplant, an invasive procedure that requires about a year of recovery if all goes well. Most of the time this procedure presents no complications, which is great. However there are some risks, with about a 20% chance of developing a variety of life altering chronic conditions. There is also a chance of the disease recurring.

Faced with this reality, Mark is attempting to see as many places as he can before he inevitably goes through with the transplant. However, due to a loss in assets, money has been tight. We would like to raise as many funds as possible to help Mark with general medical and living expenses, and to see as much of the world as he can while he is still able. This year he visited Egypt with his brother Carl, and has a solo trip for Iceland booked for late spring. He plans to visit Machu Picchu with his daughter Madeleine in the fall. His other bucket list trips include Greece, Croatia, Lichtenstein, and several northern European countries.

Mark gives his family, friends, and community so much love and support on a daily basis. He brings joy into so many people's lives by participating as an active member of his church, volunteering, and being a dedicated and loving friend, brother, and father. Helping him achieve his life goals is a great way to show appreciation for the light he has brought, and continues to bring, into this world. We love our Mark!