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Mark needs your help!

Just as Mark was looking forward to retirement, his life was completely thrown into upheaval last November when he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The diagnosis was confirmed with a lung biopsy. You may not have even realized this, as Mark appears healthy. With no known cause of this incurable disease, which builds up a layer of scar tissue in the lungs, Mark is gradually losing his ability to breathe. The only hope for a healthy life is a lung transplant. Without a transplant, the median survival rate post-diagnosis is 2.5 to 3.5 years. It is imperative that Mark receive a double lung transplant soon. Mark has completed the extensive evaluation process at Temple University Hospital where it was determined that he is a good candidate and will soon be placed on the active transplant waiting list.

Updates (8)

February 12, 2017

Hello! I am being scolded on not giving an update on Mark's condition! Well, we continue to drive up to Philadelphia every week for tests and doctor's appts. Mark is progressing well; physically, he feels good but a little tired during the days, which is normal. He is sleeping right now, allowing some time for this message! On this last visit, we found out he has type 2 diabetes, caused by the anti-rejection meds that he must stay on. So with him taking 10 pills a day, doing 2 nebulizer treatments twice a day, now we add 3 insulin tests and 4 insulin shots to his daily schedule. It is very exhausting for both of us, but a small price to pay for a good recovery! We drive back to Philly on Monday, the 13th; he has the one month broncoscopy on Valentine's Day, which is standard procedure for transplants, and then stay overnight at Gift of Life House,going home on Wednesday. I hope the weather holds out. With the weekly visits to Philly and the Monday Morning bloodwork trips to Lebanon, we are Very Busy! We have asked people not to visit us yet, because we need some time to de-stress and we don't want Mark to get sickness during this flu season. Depending on the results of the bronc, we are hoping the vsists to temple will be once every 2 weeks. Please continue to pray for us for a good outcome and also the strength to keep moving forward. thank you for your support! Maryann and Mark Krammes

January 11, 2017

Well, we finally got the call on Sunday, Jan 8th at 11 am. We were ready! We started on the trip to Phila, and arrived at Temple University Hospital around 1:15 pm. They took him to surgery at 3 pm, and it was finished by 9 pm. He received a right lung and they fixed his diaphragm also. They took out his ventilation tube the next day, and he has started eating solid foods on the 2nd day after transplant, after he passed his swallow test. He also walked to the nurses station and back today. Everyone is very pleased with how well things are going. This attests to the power of prayer and well wishes from people like you who have supported us through out this whole process. Thank you. Maryann Krammes

Guestbook

February 6, 2016

Mark, sending prayers for your and your family, all things are Possible With God's Will

Mary Miller Shive

February 6, 2016

Praying for you every day Mark. I am sending a check to the address listed. I also reposted this to try to get the word out there for you. Facebook is a great tool now days. And I believe greatly in the power of prayer.....

Donna (Miller) Reichert

February 3, 2016

Mark, our prayers and thoughts are with you

Ken and Lynn Taylor 7W4