Mark Bender

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing to you on behalf of Mark Bender, a husband, father of four, brother, son, cyclist, and friend. Mark lives in Duvall WA and is a very active person in church and community. His four boys keep him and his wife Sarah extremely busy with soccer games and cycling events. Mark recently suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury when vacationing with his wife in Hawaii. It was their last day before coming home and they were spending some time at the beach. Mark was body surfing and decided to ride one last wave before he was finished for the day. On the last ride in the wave crushed him into the shore break. Mark is now a quadriplegic with a complete C6 injury. He has no use of his legs and limited use of his arms. Mark has spent the last six months in medical and rehab facilities.

Mark is from Nebraska (Go Big Red!), and moved to WA in 1997. He works at HTC in Bellevue, WA. He and Sarah (married 15 years!) have a huge passion for sports, especially cycling. Mark and Sarah ride for a cycling team called Motofish here in WA. Prior to the accident, Mark would race along side his wife and four boys at every cyclocross race in the area.

In spite of the many struggles that he faces, Mark remains hopeful that he will be able to have use of his legs once again. His faith, family and friends have been a tremendous support during this challenging time. With an injury like this the expenses are very large. During the first year the average medical bills are over $700,000 and each subsequent year over $100,000. Thankfully Mark and the family have health insurance. However, insurance does not cover everything that is needed. Including his rehab and Pushing Boundaries in Redmond, WA (http://www.pushing-boundaries.com). This rehab is so important for Mark, as moving his limbs maintains a healthy body and heart. There are many medical expenses that the Bender family faces on top of raising their four amazing boys. A new car with hand controls is also needed; there are days right now when Sarah spends 4+ hours driving everyone around. If Mark were able to drive himself to work and help out with running the boys around this would take much stress off them. Not to mention it is another step closer to gaining independence for Mark which is essential for building his spirit. Each hour a Pushing Boundaries is $80-100 and a new car for Mark could be up to $60,000.

To assist with the costs of the car, medical bills and rehab, a fundraising campaign in Mark’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northwest Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only.

Let’s help Mark turn this tragedy into Triumph!! Please consider making a donation.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thanks for your support!