Mark is a beloved brother, father, husband, and son who has always been there for others. Now, he and his family are facing an unexpected and difficult challenge, and we’re reaching out for your support.
It’s been said many times over that life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. But, since we’re baseball fans, we prefer the metaphor that we’ve been thrown a curveball—and in this instance, a Clayton Kershaw, 12-6 curveball. My dear brother, Mark, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sometime last October, he was running a fever and thought of it as just catching a cold. Then he had discomfort in his bladder and challenges urinating, which required a visit to the ER. Further tests and a biopsy done on Saipan confirmed it was prostate cancer, so the next step was to get off island to seek the best care possible.
Mark and his amazing wife, Catherine, left for Manila, Philippines, in early January and are now at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City. Further tests have found that Mark has stage 4, prostate adenocarcinoma M1 cancer—a rare type of prostate cancer that is more aggressive than normal prostate cancers. He has since had two successful surgeries where they were able to remove the tumors and the source of the cancer. However, it has started to spread into portions of his lungs, lymph nodes, and portions of the bones.
Mark is now undergoing two types of chemotherapy, one intravenously every 21 days and tablets he will take daily. Additionally, within the 21 days, Mark is given three separate injections. He is being closely monitored with consistent bloodwork and follow-up appointments. Indeed, a curveball that none of us expected, especially on someone who rarely catches a cold.
We are asking for support to help ease the financial burden of Mark’s illness and recovery. Funds raised will help cover medical co-pays and bills, ongoing treatment costs, and supportive care—along with everyday needs that become harder during long-term illness. Many of you know Mark as the consummate team player, always willing to help others and, more importantly, doing all he can to support his family.
We sincerely ask that you please share this GoFundMe with Mark’s former baseball & softball teammates and others that have been associated with Mark over the years. If you’re able to give, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping Mark, Catherine, and their kids in your prayers means more than we can say. Thank You, Dångkulu na si Yu’us ma’åse’, Ghilissow & Salamat Po!
To support, visit this link: https://gofund.me/2940f9566
