Help Hope Live for Mark Cuneo

Family + Friends, In February of 2024; at 67 years old, Mark was diagnosed with an incurable lung disease (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in the lungs that occurs when the tissue becomes scarred, and damaged, making it difficult to breathe. In turn, leaving Mark’s only option for survival being a lung transplant. As you can imagine, this turned his and his family’s world upside down. Unfortunately, Mark’s condition progressed very rapidly which led him to being life flighted and admitted to the ICU on a ventilator and life support patiently awaiting a lung transplant. After weeks in the ICU and a few conquered complications he finally was granted a lung on 11/18/24 that gave him a second chance at life. Through the year his family has been astonished with his strength and positivity throughout the entire process.The care that Mark has received thus far from UPMC has been world class and his family is so grateful that he has access to such excellent medical professionals. Friends and family of Mark are raising money for the nonprofit “Help Hope Live” to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with his Transplant. Mark and his family have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical related expenses. Our goal is to raise donations to ensure the family can focus on his treatment and recovery, without the added financial stress. All donations raised will allow Mark to have access to the best possible care and a second chance at life.Before his diagnosis, his retirement plans included spending more time with his daughters and grandchildren. Which also included relaxing a bit, building more family memories, watching his beloved Mountaineers, hunting, fishing, and spending time at Police Rod and Gun Club. Mark is a loving husband, father, brother, and a very well-known and good friend to many in the Western PA community. He has always been there with love and support to those around him without question or hesitation. No donation is too small, and every contribution will make a significant difference as he embarks on his long road to recovery. During Mark’s journey to recovery, his family anticipates his ICU admittance to be extended over the next few months, followed by extensive doctor visits and testing through the next year. With the condition of his immune system Mark is unable to have visitors outside of his UPMC doctors and immediate family. If you are an organ donor, please know that you can make a difference on other’s lives now. If a transplant has impacted you or your family’s life in some way, please feel free to make a donation to honor your loved one.Thank you all for the support you have already shown to Mark and his family – your generosity means the world. The family of Mark shared that they are humbled and honored by the prayers, kind sentiments and support they have received. They truly believe in the power of prayer and wholeheartedly trust that God is in control. In him lies their strength and hope.