We met Mark through a woman we began talking with one night on the streets of Sausalito, CA. She told us, “You should talk with my friend Mark, he is going to die soon.” She explained that her friend Mark had recently been dealt a horrible blow - He had just been informed by his doctor that his lung cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and that he had 3-6 months to live.
That night we visited Mark at his dark apartment where he was laying on an inflatable mattress on the floor. We sat down on the floor and talked with Mark for 3 hrs and learned a little about his past 49 yrs… where he had grown up, what he was proud of, what he wasn’t proud of, why his music was important and why his family was obsolete…then we talked about what it was like to know you were going to die in 3-6 months.
He told us that the nights are the hardest. He said that when it gets dark, his mind starts racing and it is the most terrifying thing he has ever experienced. He said he refuses to die in a hospital bed.
We left that night struggling to put ourselves in Mark’s shoes, trying to imagine what it would be like to know you had 90-120 days left in your life.
The next day, we visited the local Sausalito Presbyterian Church and were lucky enough to speak to the congregation. We talked about our new friend Mark…we described his situation, explained that he didn’t have the support of his family and that we were working to brighten up his nights and find him a bed that he didn’t have to struggle to get out of. After we spoke, we were swarmed with smiles and a multitude of offers to help.
That night we showed up at Mark’s apartment with some pizza, beer, a guitar, a king sized bed, 8 paintings, 2 lamps, 5 plants and a pack of glow-in-the-dark stars for the ceiling above his bed. We spent the evening setting up Marks new bed (which we made from 2 bunk beds donated by someone at the Church) and did some redecorating.
Mark said that no one had ever done anything like this for him before in his life, not even his family, so we told him we were family.
We played some music, drank some beer and left town the next day hoping that Mark might sleep a little bit easier knowing some friends are with him.
Thank you Reverend Burko, ShanMarie and all the kind people at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church who pitched in to help us gather these things for Mark.
Ben
YO GUYS, THESE ARE THE BLOGS THAT MATTER. ROCK ON. — Jacko
“Images Creat Desire. You Will What You Imagine.”
Comment by Alan Jacoby — October 22, 2007 @ 7:39 am
Hey Mark
So sorry to hear your story.
My son jesse james met these wonderful guys a couple of years back, they made his day like they seem to have done for you.
When Jesse’s cancer came back, the docs gave him a few weeks to a couple of months to live. He made it over two years before he died on September 25th.
Jesse did not accept this news from the docs, he went out everyday, as if it was his last, determined to live his life
to the utmost. Those dates they set are timelines that are based on stats. Because we ask for them. Don’t you believe that. Set goals for yourself, and work towards them. When you achieve them, set more. Don’t ever give up, don’t ever lose sight of your dreams. Dream for today, dream for tomorrow, and dream for what can you become if given the opportunity in your next existence.
Keep it simple. Throughout life we hope for things, and we have faith that we will receive what we hope for. That is our promise.
I will think of you, and send strength through the universe.
jesse’s mom
devorah
Comment by jesse's mom — October 22, 2007 @ 9:05 am
This is a great little progressive church in a BEAUTIFUL location. Not surprised they were so generous with their help. Nice bunch of folks. Attended a Blue Grass event their last year that was great - Dry Branch Fire Squad. They were a perfect fit for this little progressive church. When I can get myself out of bed on a Sunday morning, I try to attend their unique services. Always feel good when I do. Thanks SPC for your support of Mark & TBL guys.
Comment by Co9Mom — October 22, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
This experience of yours really touched me, you guys…. I know from my own experience speaking in front of a crowd to help raise money to fix the heart of a Ukrainian girl we brought over to Canada a few years ago that the generosity and care of others when they hear about how they can help another person is something remarkable. Also, I’ve seen from my father how lonely it can feel when you’re faced with the winding down of life. This just goes to show how easily and incredibly you can help someone’s life just by speaking up for them. I wish Mark the best life possible (if he ever needs someone to talk to, and can send an email or receive a call, let me know!) and I wish you guys a million more of these connections, with just as many more people to help you help others. Thanks for showing how to make life count!
Comment by Suzie — October 22, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
Dear Mark,
In Aug of 2003 I was given the news, I had only a 5% chance to live for 6 months! Hey, I’m still here and livin, lovin, laughin every minute I can! Stay strong, believe in yourself and the power of your mind. Positive thoughts bring positive results! We are all just humans who die. Sometimes I feel so blessed to have been reminded what my priorities are. Keep it simple, day to day, minute to minute, tell the people you know how important they are to you. It’s also very good to cry, but remember laughter is the best rememdy. Children with cancer are the true heros! If you have a chance make a call to a Childrens Hospital…..it will give you strenght, courage, tears, and a wonderful feeling in your heart of HOPE! Hope in my world means: Help Other People Excist. Try to give hope to everyone you come in contact with….there was a reason The Crew found you. You are worth soooo much more than you ever believed! I need to sign off and stop my gabbing, I’m going to rake some leaves, take a break, do the dishes, take a break, etc…..The boys know where to find me, they also have my phone, and email…..God Bless.
Chemosabie rides!
Comment by Trudy — October 26, 2007 @ 7:07 am
tell my more about the gp cos i will like to jion
Comment by stephen — December 13, 2007 @ 3:40 am
i will like to jion the gp so tell me more
Comment by stephen — December 13, 2007 @ 3:46 am
Dear Mark!!
No matter what the doctors and the tests may say DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Miracles still happens today. In May of this year I will celebrate 5 years of breast cancer survival. I was given 50% chance to survive. I just went through a devastating divorce, found myself penniless, but I decided that I did not want to die. I told my doctors and others that I still had people to see, places to go,and dreams not yet realized. So I went on with my life,went through a mastectomy, along with chemotherapy and radiation. I also continued on living by going to college, thinking positive thoughts and claiming positive affermation. Most importantly i put my trust and faith in God. In May (just few months from now) I will graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and with minors in Italian and Psychology as well. I just celebrated a birthday in November and I am now 54 years young.
I recall one particualr morning right after my surgery. I woke up around 2:00 a.m. in terror. I thought and said to myself,”I am going to die… and… NO I WANT TO LIVE.” As I made that statement I felt a complete peace coming upon me. I fought the fear and doubt with faith in God and negative thinking with positive ones.
Mark, you can make it!!!!! You are going to be in my daily prayers and I am standing with you believing for a MIRACLE!!
Live Mark and do not die!!! It is not yet your time to go!!
LOVE YOU!!!!!
Freda
Comment by Freda — January 22, 2008 @ 12:08 am
Mark - I was so touched by your story. I have lost a lot of family to cancer and the music that moves me the most is that of david bailey. Please listen to his songs and know you are not alone!
http://cdbaby.com/cd/dmbaileyanth Listen to track #2 for sure!
Don’t let the grass grow beneath your busy feet Don’t let the grass grow above you when you rest You’ve got one more day to get to where you’re going One more day to give your very best
Don’t let the clouds forever block your sunshine Don’t let the sunshine blind you on your way You might have years of tears put behind you But right now you’ve got one more day
One more day when you can hold your children One more day you can hold your wife One more day when you can watch the grass grow One more day when you can live your life
Don’t let the cynics tell you they know better better yet, don’t let them talk to you at all You’ve got one more day to prove that they know nothing One more day to find your private call
Don’t let your loved ones ever doubt your passion Don’t let your passion ever start to fade I know how it feels to be so frightened But right now, you’ve got one more day
One more day, when you can hold your children…..
Comment by dana — June 3, 2008 @ 1:57 am
PS Mark, If you like the music please email me and I will gladly send you a cd! You are loved.
dana drrcc@aol.com
Comment by dana — June 3, 2008 @ 2:01 am