The Markus Fund
The Markus Fund was created to support and assist Mark Oeding and others in their battle against cancer.
In January of 2004, when he was 20 years old and attending Valparaiso University, Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 (the most advanced) testicular cancer. Over the next year, he struggled with numerous rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries; removing two football-sized tumors from his abdomen and losing almost half his body weight in the process. Though the surgeries were ultimately successful, three smaller, benign tumors remained.
In July of this year (2008), a routine blood test revealed that the cancer had resurfaced in one of Mark's lymph nodes. At the conclusion of this summer his plan was to attend Liberty University, a seminary in Virginia, with the hope of becoming a hospital Chaplain. However, due to an upcoming surgery and rounds of chemotherapy he now faces, his plans to both go to school and continue to work are not feasable.
This fund was created to assist Mark, and others in his situation, as they deal with the physical, emotional, and financial struggles of cancer treatment and recovery. While we can't relieve Mark of all his burdens, we are looking to at least alleviate his medical expenses incurred through treatment. Any excess funds will be donated to The Desert Cancer Foundation, which provides financial assistance for cancer treatment to families in the Palm Springs, CA area. More information can be found at www.desertcancerfoundation.org.
To raise funds, we are holding a raffle featuring 3 weekend vacation packages and 1 grand prize week-long getaway. Tickets are $20 for one, $50 for three, and $100 for seven. Please click the Donate link on the left for a complete list of prizes and to purchase your raffle tickets. We thank you in advance for your generous contributions, and we wish you the best of luck.
***UPDATE #1***
The fund has been up and running for about a month now, and we want to thank everybody who has donated so far and give an update on Mark.
He had surgery on Tuesday (11/4) to remove a cancerous lymph node, and was back home on Saturday. After looking at the removed tumor, the doctors decided that he'll definitely need chemotherapy, which should start in the middle of December. Right now the plan is to let him rest and recover for a few weeks, then start with the chemo. The doctors think Mark will need to go through at least three rounds, which will take him through February. For the most part, he's feeling good and should be healthy for the start of chemo.
We woud also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fund. Your generosity has been overwhelming and is greatly appreciated!
***UPDATE #2***
Mark began chemotherapy on schedule toward the end of December and will finish all four rounds by the middle of February. He handled the treatment well throughout the 3 months, with only relatively minor side effects. Debating between conducting three or four rounds of therapy, the doctors ultimately believed that four rounds would provide greater long-term benefit to make up for the additional short-term tax on the body. Upon completion of the fourth round, we look forward to the healing process and his transition to seminary school.
Finally, we will be holding the raffle on February 28th, with the winners announced shortly thereafter. Again, we thank you so much for your generosity and wish you the best of luck!
In January of 2004, when he was 20 years old and attending Valparaiso University, Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 (the most advanced) testicular cancer. Over the next year, he struggled with numerous rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries; removing two football-sized tumors from his abdomen and losing almost half his body weight in the process. Though the surgeries were ultimately successful, three smaller, benign tumors remained.
In July of this year (2008), a routine blood test revealed that the cancer had resurfaced in one of Mark's lymph nodes. At the conclusion of this summer his plan was to attend Liberty University, a seminary in Virginia, with the hope of becoming a hospital Chaplain. However, due to an upcoming surgery and rounds of chemotherapy he now faces, his plans to both go to school and continue to work are not feasable.
This fund was created to assist Mark, and others in his situation, as they deal with the physical, emotional, and financial struggles of cancer treatment and recovery. While we can't relieve Mark of all his burdens, we are looking to at least alleviate his medical expenses incurred through treatment. Any excess funds will be donated to The Desert Cancer Foundation, which provides financial assistance for cancer treatment to families in the Palm Springs, CA area. More information can be found at www.desertcancerfoundation.org.
To raise funds, we are holding a raffle featuring 3 weekend vacation packages and 1 grand prize week-long getaway. Tickets are $20 for one, $50 for three, and $100 for seven. Please click the Donate link on the left for a complete list of prizes and to purchase your raffle tickets. We thank you in advance for your generous contributions, and we wish you the best of luck.
***UPDATE #1***
The fund has been up and running for about a month now, and we want to thank everybody who has donated so far and give an update on Mark.
He had surgery on Tuesday (11/4) to remove a cancerous lymph node, and was back home on Saturday. After looking at the removed tumor, the doctors decided that he'll definitely need chemotherapy, which should start in the middle of December. Right now the plan is to let him rest and recover for a few weeks, then start with the chemo. The doctors think Mark will need to go through at least three rounds, which will take him through February. For the most part, he's feeling good and should be healthy for the start of chemo.
We woud also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fund. Your generosity has been overwhelming and is greatly appreciated!
***UPDATE #2***
Mark began chemotherapy on schedule toward the end of December and will finish all four rounds by the middle of February. He handled the treatment well throughout the 3 months, with only relatively minor side effects. Debating between conducting three or four rounds of therapy, the doctors ultimately believed that four rounds would provide greater long-term benefit to make up for the additional short-term tax on the body. Upon completion of the fourth round, we look forward to the healing process and his transition to seminary school.
Finally, we will be holding the raffle on February 28th, with the winners announced shortly thereafter. Again, we thank you so much for your generosity and wish you the best of luck!