A Message from Mark. “I am a lifelong athlete. From an early age, I learned the value of perseverance and pushing through challenges. I never imagined those lessons would one day help carry me through the greatest challenge of my life. After losing my father to heart disease at a young age, receiving my diagnosis of the same heart disease, when my son was 12 years old, was crushing; but I remained positive.

I received my life saving heart transplant in 2016 and have received multiple tissue grafts to improve my quality of life through knee and spinal surgeries.

There was a time in my life when like many transplant and tissue recipients, I experienced fear, uncertainty, physical struggles, and moments where hope felt difficult to hold onto. Through it all, I was given an incredible gift — the gift of life. A gift made possible by someone I have never met, and by a family who, in the midst of unimaginable grief, chose compassion and generosity.

That decision changed my life, and my family’s, forever. Everyday, I wake up knowing that my heartbeat is only possible because of a selfless donor and a courageous family.

When people hear the words “organ & tissue donation,” they often think only about medical procedures and death… But for me, it means birthdays celebrated. Time with family. Watching children grow up. Pursuing dreams.
Another breath. Another chance. Because of organ and tissue donation, I am able to continue living a life filled with purpose, passion, gratitude, and faith.