Urgent Medical Costs for Michael Marks
Donation protected
Many of you know Michael Marks as the extraordinarily talented, successful hairdresser from Elkins Park, PA. I know him as the love of my life, the man with whom I just celebrated our 20-year wedding anniversary. And we’re very proud of the four beautiful children we raised.
Now, all of that is at serious risk. In 2010, Michael was diagnosed with Stage 4 squamous cell cancer of his tongue and throat. He and I have stood strong together through endless rounds of radiation, chemotherapy and hospitalizations. Although he’s currently in remission, the cancer treatments have taken a heavy toll, leaving Michael in a terribly weakened condition, and at constant risk of life-threatening illnesses. He’s currently in a hospital Intensive Care Unit at Penn Presbyterian to help get him past another of those crises.
Compounding the gravity of Michael’s compromised health, we were violently struck by a reckless driver, causing severe traumatic brain injury that has hindered or eliminated Michael’s ability to perform many life functions. For the past several years, he’s been unable to earn a living or care for his own daily needs.
What has made this GoFundMe campaign absolutely necessary is that the cost of Michael’s treatment. If he is released from the hospital and able to return to our home, medical equipment, transportation to and from medical appointments, and in-home nursing assistance, simply will not be possible without financial assistance. Because Michael and I are people who value our dignity and self-sufficiency, we have been reluctant until now, faced with the very real possibility of inadequate care for him — to seek the support of others.
Michael Marks is a sweet, kind, and generous man. For many years, he ran marathons in the US and in other countries around the world to raise money for various charities. One of the causes he’s actively raised money for is organizations that support people with Down syndrome — one of whom is our own child.
Having joyfully and selflessly given to society for all those years and in all those ways, it’s a bit challenging for Michael to seek help from others. But the reality is that’s what’s needed if Michael is to survive and return to a fuller life. Thank you for your help.
Now, all of that is at serious risk. In 2010, Michael was diagnosed with Stage 4 squamous cell cancer of his tongue and throat. He and I have stood strong together through endless rounds of radiation, chemotherapy and hospitalizations. Although he’s currently in remission, the cancer treatments have taken a heavy toll, leaving Michael in a terribly weakened condition, and at constant risk of life-threatening illnesses. He’s currently in a hospital Intensive Care Unit at Penn Presbyterian to help get him past another of those crises.
Compounding the gravity of Michael’s compromised health, we were violently struck by a reckless driver, causing severe traumatic brain injury that has hindered or eliminated Michael’s ability to perform many life functions. For the past several years, he’s been unable to earn a living or care for his own daily needs.
What has made this GoFundMe campaign absolutely necessary is that the cost of Michael’s treatment. If he is released from the hospital and able to return to our home, medical equipment, transportation to and from medical appointments, and in-home nursing assistance, simply will not be possible without financial assistance. Because Michael and I are people who value our dignity and self-sufficiency, we have been reluctant until now, faced with the very real possibility of inadequate care for him — to seek the support of others.
Michael Marks is a sweet, kind, and generous man. For many years, he ran marathons in the US and in other countries around the world to raise money for various charities. One of the causes he’s actively raised money for is organizations that support people with Down syndrome — one of whom is our own child.
Having joyfully and selflessly given to society for all those years and in all those ways, it’s a bit challenging for Michael to seek help from others. But the reality is that’s what’s needed if Michael is to survive and return to a fuller life. Thank you for your help.
Organizer
Suzanne Prince-Marks
Organizer
Cheltenham Township, PA