Mark Zimmerman

William Shakespeare once wrote,
“Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course.”

These words only scrape the surface of how my Dad has lived and has taught those around him how to deal with life’s hardships. As he courageously faces the tough road ahead, we humbly ask you, our family and friends, to stand by us.

On January 26th, Mark and Nancy were on their first day on vacation at a beach in Mexico. Mark walked out into the ocean and was knocked out by the first wave that hit him, slammed face first into the ocean floor. His neck was hyperextended and fractured, his spinal cord bruised. A man, who I can only call an angel, saw the accident happen and helped pull Mark out of the water. After facing the terror of being in a medical emergency outside of the country, Nancy got Mark to a hospital in Houston. After a spinal fusion and week stay, Mark was flown to Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He will be there for inpatient rehabilitation for six to eight weeks. With physical and occupational therapy, Mark will work the hardest he has ever worked before to hopefully regain function of his legs and hands.

The wisdom and bravery my father, Mark Zimmerman, has always exuded exceeds the wonders of my mind. Under pressure, expectations, worries, responsibilities, tragedies and more, he has gone out of his way to put others before himself. Now, his personal will power and limits will be tested, and I have no doubt that his spirit will continue to shine through.

I have always found it difficult to ask for help. However I could not be more certain of anyone more deserving of support than the kind and generous man who raised me.

Though Mark has insurance, there are many uninsured, injury-related expenses such as time spent at Shepherd, travel for Mark and his caregiver to return home, home health care, home and vehicle modifications, rehab and more.

To help with these costs, 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 Great Lakes Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please help Mark get back to his very best.

For credit card contributions, please
click Donate Now.

Thank you for your love, support, donations, prayers and positive thoughts.

Kelly, Nancy, Joe