I recently received a letter from Donor services, and wanted to let everyone know what Mark was able to contribute to others:
They were able to recover and place one kidney; the recipient was a married man with no children (yet). The kidney has allowed him to discontinue his 3 dialysis treatments per week, which have been going on for the last 2 1/2 years. He is a school counselor and a volunteer for the Red Cross. They say he is doing well, and they have high hopes that the kidney will take.
Two corneas were placed; one with a 27 year old woman and the other with an older man. Both had lost their eyesight due to an untreatable eye disease.
Two heart valves were placed and the recipients are doing well.
The bone contribution could improve the lives of up to 50 different people. They use them for bone grafts for reconstructive surgery to correct certain defects. The skin tissue goes towards grafts for people with extensive wounds or burns.
All in all, Mark could be helping hundreds of people lead improved lives. I hope that gives you all some comfort, I know it has for me.
Thank you all for your cards, thoughts, prayers, phone calls, visits - the list goes on and on. I can't thank you enough for the support - I never would have made it through the first three weeks without some of you! I will continue to update this as I hear news.
Please remember how Mark would want us all to live, and make the most of every day!
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Dear Erin, my name is Joe and I was one of the volunteers from the bike ride that stopped to help Mark. As Kelly mentioned we did all we could to comfort Mark until he was air lifted to the hospital. In reading what you and Marks friends have said about him, and the fact that even in his death, he is able to help so many others, it is a testimony of what a great man Mark was. In keeping with Marks spirit, I have decided to sign up to be a donor. There is a very old legend that says when a loved one dies a new star is created in the heavens. I am sure that Marks star is one of the brightest. I am so sorry for your loss.
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