Hi, I’m Mark. I served in the Army from September 1972 through August 1975 under honorable conditions. I took pleasure in straightening out payroll problems for the other soldiers. I was pretty good at it as I was the only specialist to receive Proficiency Pay during that period and was promoted to SP/5.
I was honored and humbled to serve our country’s greatest citizens for 33 years as a Financial Manager at the VA. I served at 13 VA facilities during my career, and my claim to fame is that I was the only employee to serve in all four branches of the VA that I know of.
My wife of 43 years passed away a few years ago. My oldest daughter is a Lead Crime Scene Analyst and has two great sons. My other daughter is a Head Nurse at a Memory Care facility. She has a brilliant son and a riot (fun) for a daughter. I also have a son who is currently a Franciscan Brother and will be ordained a Catholic priest next October.
In 2014, the VA discovered cancer in my right kidney. They cut out 35% of it, and 6 months later, I was cancer-free. In 2021, I stepped on a nail, and it would not heal despite 18 months of wound therapy. In addition to the wound, I suffered blood, bladder, and kidney infections. The blood and bladder infections were resolved quickly, but the kidney infection was stubborn. In early 2025, the VA wanted to amputate my leg to save my life. Unfortunately, I was the primary caregiver for my wife during that time and opted to postpone the surgery. She was buried on a Friday, and the leg was removed the following Monday. However, the chronic kidney infection lingered on. During that continued treatment, the VA found cancer in my left kidney. This time, the tumor was frozen. Six months later, I was cancer-free. The VA suggested a transplant, and here we are.
We need you to help us support Mark. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611