February 1, 2003 (Keith)
Day 71 in ICU
Today is the first day I have seen Mark for two weeks. Although I think he looks slightly better than when I last saw him, he isn’t having one of his better days, running a mild fever, and acting generally lethargic. He is still on the ventilator set at 20 breaths a minute. I think we are going to rest him today and look for improvement tomorrow.

February 2, 2003 (Linda)
Day 72 in ICU
Mark has been sleeping since we arrived this morning. His temperature reached 100.2 yesterday so more blood cultures were taken. The previous blood cultures taken during this week have all came back negative to date. Mark's steroid dosage is now 15mg twice a day.

February 7, 2003 - Friday (Erin)
Dr. Schriber and Dr. Applefeld sat down with the family today and said that the consensus of all the doctors involved was that continued treatment would not be of any benefit to Mark. They have not seen any significant improvements in Mark clinically over the last 5 weeks, and the MRI scan that was done last night showed no change or improvement.
There is no inflammation on Mark's brain and the doctors believe that the lesions appear to be permanent damage, meaning his current condition is the best he will ever be. Dr. Schriber said that he believes to go on would be violating Mark's wishes that were agreed upon prior to his bone marrow transplant. Mark's mom Linda and stepfather Keith went home for a couple of days on Wednesday. They will return to Phoenix tomorrow along with Mark's brother Dustin and sister Katy. Tim Hein is also flying in for the day. The doctors are suggesting that once the family has had time with Mark and is at peace with the timing, he will be taken off all medications and the ventilator. They have assured us that Mark will be in no pain and he will be very peaceful. We had a day of deeper reality that Mark really is in God's hands. While we don't always know His purposes, our faith continues to be in Him. "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 Please continue to pray for the entire family.

February 9, 2003
Mark went home to be with the Lord this afternoon at 3:05 P.M. His name means "war-like" and that is exactly what Mark was, a fighter. He fought a tremendous and courageous battle, and he has now been completely healed. For that we rejoice! Mark was dearly loved and will be forever remembered as a father, husband, son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. We look forward to the day when we will see him again in heaven.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord." Psalm 27:1-6

Mark's services will be in McPherson, KS. We will update the details as soon as the arrangements have been made. Please continue to pray for comfort and strength for Stacey, the girls, and the rest of the family during this difficult time.

SERVICES FOR MARK

VISITATION:
Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00
with family 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

GLIDDEN-EDIGER FUNERAL HOME
222 W. Euclid
McPherson, Kansas 67460

FUNERAL SERVICES:

MONDAY FEBRUARY 17 @ 10:30 AM

COUNTRYSIDE COVENANT CHURCH
900 East Northview Road
McPherson, Kansas 67460

Mark will be laid to rest at McPherson Cemetary