Mark's Road to Recovery

On Friday, May 2nd Mark suffered a medical crisis. He was off work, enjoying the day with his brother. They played video games and spent the day relaxing. Shortly before 3pm, Mark decided to go up stairs to take a shower. He became very dizzy, began vomiting and his speech became difficult to understand. He was rushed via ambulance to the Owatonna Hospital for evaluation. It was determined that he was having a stroke and brain bleed, and would need to be transferred to United Hospital in St. Paul. Since then, he has remained in the ICU. It is believed the stroke/brain bleed were caused by having undiagnosed high blood pressure. Because of the untreated high blood pressure, it has led to blood vessel damage, resulting in decreased kidney function (Mark only has one kidney, and it is functioning below 25% currently). He is currently experiencing difficulty with memory and recall. He is able to walk, with assistance or use of a walker, but not more than a few steps, before becoming exhausted. There has been talk of trying to get him moved from the ICU to the rehab area, but they are not able to move him until his blood pressure is well controlled without the use of IV medications. They are hoping to be able to do this in the next couple of days.

At this time visitors are limited to only 2 people, and between the hours of 8am-8pm. While we appreciate everyone wanting to spend time, we are asking for calm so that Mark can focus on healing. Nicki is with Mark as much of the time as possible. She is driving home (to Owatonna) each day, then driving back the next morning.

There is a GoFundMe set up through this page, and an option to give send gift cards to help with expenses. Please consider helping if you are able, as this is a tremendously difficult time emotionally, as well as financially.

We also ask for prayers for Mark's healing and recovery, and for them as a family, as they begin navigating an uncertain future.