Gratitude

Family Beach Trip 2013

Mark & Noah,  Lincoln City

Mark & Kelley

We realize it has been a while since we've updated the blog with news of Mark's health.  While we understand that friends and family want to know details, it is hard to know exactly how much to say.  Also, things change quickly with Mark, sometimes there are big changes even within the course of a single day or hours.  We've also learned not to live and die by the words of Mark's doctors.  We found ourselves on an emotional roller coaster; we've got to remember that despite what the doctors say, we can still hope and pray for a miracle and we ask that you all support us in that. Pray, pray, pray!  Thank you!

Right now, Mark is stable.  His most recent MRI showed no tumor growth since the last MRI 6 weeks prior.  That is something we are thankful for!  He will continue with at least one more round of the oral chemotherapy.  It is a 5 day treatment with 23 days off.  He tolerated the last round very well with his only real side effect a decreased appetite and fatigue.

We are looking forward to Christmas with our family.  We had the best Thanksgiving ever this year.  Mark felt great all day and was able to engage with family.  We played a game, worked on a puzzle and had great food and conversation.  We are so grateful for those good days and this was one of the best.

We want to thank the many people who have supported us with prayers, food, yard work, cards, house maintenance, garage repairs (thank you Eric!) and many other jobs and tasks that we have been unable to do ourselves.  Many of you have asked about helping us financially.  We are humbled by the thought of your generosity.  We have held off on accepting donations because we had a hard time justifying doing so.  We are not poor by any means; however, the medical expenses add up quickly.  We have an account set up through US Bank for donations for medical expenses.  It is under the account name: MARK RECKER DONATIONS.  We will use any funds that come in for medical expenses incurred following Mark's brain surgery, subsequent hospital stay in October and his ongoing medical care with his neurosurgeon and oncologist.  Donations can be made through any US Bank branch.  Any donations above and beyond what we need for medical expenses will be donated back to fulfill Mark's dreams for technology and exterior upgrades at Silver Crest and Pratum schools.

Again, we are grateful for this wide circle of friends, family, students and even strangers who bless us with their love and support. Continue to pray for healing and strength.  We appreciate you all!

Thank you!

A few weeks ago, we posted some practical ways that you, our friends and family, could help.  We've been amazed at the response.  Thanks to Andrew Murphy, administrators & staff from the Silver Falls School district, Eric Anderson, Doug Frogner, Tony Huserik, Dale Rohr and probably some others that I am forgetting.  We are so grateful for all that you have done for us.  We will have more opportunities to help, I'm sure.  Life doesn't stop or slow down, and it's been hard to keep up at times.  Your support is appreciated.  Thank you for your kindness.
Mark, Kelley & family