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Mark Folsom, a resident of Mount Airy, Maryland, desperately needs your help. Mark’s life took an unexpected turn when in January of 2014, he was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, or PPMS. PPMS is the most aggressive form of multiple sclerosis, and Mark’s condition continues to deteriorate. Mark has continued to remain as active as possible, but the PPMS is taking its toll. He has spent many years involved in his local community; as a member of his church choir, a judge and referee for the community dive team, an assistant soccer coach, and a leader for “Christmas in April” through his employer. Mark even spent a summer donating his carpentry skills to help remodel a portion of his church, and was always available to help out with last minute needs of Vacation Bible School. Unfortunately, due to his symptoms, like extreme fatigue and pain, Mark is no longer able to volunteer in the way that he once enjoyed. Despite his condition and suffering, Mark never complains, but is now at a point where his MS keeps him from enjoying the simpler things in his life. Taking a walk, maintaining relationships, and simple activities of daily living are becoming much more difficult. Mark knows that his disease will eventually rob him of his ability to enjoy life and spend quality time with his family.
Through extensive research, Mark found a promising treatment to the multiple sclerosis community, known as a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant or HSCT. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society defines HSCT as a way to “reboot” the immune system, which is responsible for damaging the brain and spinal cord in MS. Hematopoietic stem cells, which are derived from a person’s own autologous bone marrow or blood, are collected and stored, and the rest of the individual’s immune cells are depleted by chemotherapy. These stored cells are then reintroduced to the body, migrate to the bone marrow and over time produce new white blood cells. Eventually they repopulate the body with immune cells, thus halting the disease and in some individuals, reversing the damage.
HSCT clinical trials for MS began in the U.S. in 2000, and are still ongoing. The treatment is estimated to be approved here in the US by the FDA by about 2022, and has been approved in other parts of the world, widely used for cancer patients. After extensive research and reading hundreds of personal stories, the best treatment option for Mark is with Dr. Guillermo Ruiz-Arguelles, M.D. the general director of The Hematology and Internal Medicine Center at Clinica Ruiz de Puebla. Dr. Ruiz was chosen as a 2011 Mayo Clinic Distinguished Alumnus, and was selected for a mastership in the American College of Physicians, given to individuals with “integrity, positions of honor, eminence in practice or in medical research, or other attainments in science or in the art of medicine”.
Unfortunately, Mark’s health insurance will not cover the out-of-pocket cost of this procedure, upwards of $70,000 including treatment, airfare and medications needed for one year upon returning home. Mark cannot afford this promising therapy on his own, and he needs your support. To help with the financial burden of Mark’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Mid-Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses. Family and friends of Mark Folsom are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button.
Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity. Keep an eye on Mark’s campaign page as we will be posting updates regularly.
With much gratitude,
Mark’s loving family
*If you would like to know more about HSCT, Dr. Ruiz, or the facility, please contact Mark’s wife, Mary Folsom at maryfolsom29@gmail.com or 240-994-4729.
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Mark and Mary, we've been thinking of you and are praying for great things! Stay strong.
John and Sharon Wenner and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin this journey. We pray for safe travels, a successful procedure and a swift recovery. We are here for you anytime, day or night!
Caroline, Ken, Alex, Emma and Madeline Rothfield
Good luck and best wishes for a successful treatment and speedy recovery.
Jim and Pam Kerwin
Dear Mary & Mark - I think of you often and was devastated to hear the news of Mark's illness. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a strong outcome from this procedure and a future filled with abundant health. Much love, Vasco & Lynn (Warne) Guimaraes
Lynn Guimaraes
Mark & Mary,
Thinking of you and your girls and praying for strength and healing through God's grace.
Dave, Peeta, Amanda and Matt
Mark - Good things come to good people like you. Wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you for all the help you have provided us in making our new home perfect for us. Please stay in touch with us.
Best Wishes,
Nilay & Namita Shah
Nilay & Namita Shah
Mark, Mary, and Family, You all are in our prayers. May God's grace sustain you during this painful trial and may He bring complete deliverance and healing according to His perfect will. Please let us know how we can help and support you.
Love, Cousin Sean and Mary
Mark, Mary & Girls: May God Bless you all....and keep you in the palms of his hands. We KNOW you will continue to handle this with the same grace that you have handled whatever passed your way!
Blessings, and Love
Mary Lou and Chuck
Mark and Mary, Our prayers are with you and your family.
Dave, Kim, Cameron and Hannah Golway
Mark and Mary - I think of you both so often and prayers are coming your way. I finally joined facebook and love seeing pictures of all of you. Your girls have gone from beautiful babies to beautiful young ladies - where did those years go?! Hang in there, Mark - we're all with you.
Much love, Aunt Karen and Tommy too
Mark,
You are in my thoughts and definitely in my prayers! You have a great support team of friends, family and faith to get you through this! I miss seeing you all and hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I hope you reach your goal Mark! Love and hugs to the whole Folsom family!
Cousin Anne
A dedicated supporter of youth sports and church activities, Mark is an asset to our community! Hoping the treatment helps Mark tremendously. Sending prayers of healing to Mark. Prayers of support to Mary, Evan, and Bailey. If you need anything, I'm only a Facebook message away. Happy to help in anyway!
Jill, Jim, Julia, Jessica, and James Berry
Holding you in the light Mark...
Nancy, Katie and Conor Burke
Mark:
Ever since we all graduated, I've had those remarkable moments, which from time to time, you crossed my thoughts and the memories came pouring in. I'm thinking of you now, everyday, and I offer prayers for God's healing and strength for your family in fighting through this battle. I'm on the sidelines cheering for you.
Lynn Dail, ECU '83
Lifting you all in prayer!! Hugs and good thoughts - David (Skeeter) & Allison Denning
David Denning EN #182
Mark,Mary,
We will pray for God's healing and for strength for both of you. God Bless.
Monty and Michelle
Dear Mary and Mark,
We are thinking of you and sending all of our love. Please call on us if you need anything. We would be honored to help any way we can.
Evelyn McEwan
When we heard about Mark's condition, we felt we must offer help. You have a terrific daughter, Evan, who is very special to our family. We wish you the best in pursuing treatment.
The Boemmel Family
Prayers for the Folsom family.
Michelle S.
Mark, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. In some ways our great times on Cotanche Street seem like just yesterday. You were the first brother that signed my pledge book and the one that always exemplified the love, truth, and honor stressed by Sigma Nu. The Holders are pulling for your complete victory in the battle.
Lee Holder
Prayers and strength in your battle. All your Eta Beta Brothers are pulling for you!
Mike Cunningham
Peace, strength and comfort as you and your family go through this battle.
Chip Mayo
Hang in there Mark , I was always told, good things come to good people , and your one of the best.
Chubby Abshire
Mark,
You are going to beat this. You are good man.
Freddy Simon
Mark, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave Ross
Mark, Our prayers are with you and your family.
Jeff and Joanna Majette
Mark, may Gods healing hand work its wonders and may His peace fill your home my brother.
All our best!
Brett Melvin
Hoping you can start this treatment soon, prayers for your whole family!
Bowser Family
Get this man back on trail!
Jimmy "Blanco" Ellis
we know that the treatment you will get will be successful. We are sending positive energy your way! Love the Newmans
Jill and Butler Newman
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Mark Folsom
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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