I realized a lot of questions posted here and on Facebook had gone largely unanswered. Didn't want anyone to think we weren't reading your replies and sharing them with Mark, and part of that process is taking the time to respond back to all of you. I searched through Facebook in several places as well as through the comments here. If I missed anything or you have other questions, please reply to this post. Thank you all for your throughts and prayers.Also, find attached to this update a photo of Uncle Mark with our first grandchild - his first nephew - Nicholas Elliot, born January 17th.
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Amanda King Padgett, via Facebook (Classical Conversations Official) 12/12...... (and many more of you)
Is there anything else we can do for you?
The very best thing in the world for Mark and our family right now are your prayers. Feel free to share with any prayers groups or churches you like, all is appreciated. Thank you!
Mark's Aunt Cindi did set up a GoFundMe account to help us offset the expenses associated with this event not covered by insurance. We have not pushed this very hard because, well.... I guess it just doesn't feel right to me to ask for money, and I know others likely need that kind of help more than we do. However, if that is something that you would like to do to help us out, we certainly wouldn't refuse, all help is greatly and humbly appreciated. The GoFundMe page is here: http://www.gofundme.com/iyjtfk
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MarkMary Willenbrink, via Facebook (Classical Conversations Official) 12/16
Would you like to set up a special facebook prayer page and have us recommend it to other prayer warriors?
This CaringBridge blog was created to serve that purpose. Please feel free to share this page with anyone. Thanks!
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Drea Lyon, via Facebook 12/16
Do they know what kind of brain cancer yet?
Not yet, tests on the cerebral spinal fluid were inconclusive. A biopsy will be performed on the tumor following the surgery scheduled for January 27 to attempt to remove it.
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Roger Tarre, via Facebook (SPAAMFAA) 12/23
Frank, it won't get there in time for Christmas, but I'd love to send him a t shirt from our firehouse. If you'd like, message me with your address.
The shirt arrived safe and sound as previously reported, he loved the surprise package, thank you!
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Joe Russo, via Facebook and CaringBridge, several messages...
I have shared all of your tales and jokes with Mark as they arrive, and he is amused even though some of the jokes are real groaners, haha! "What kind of bird flies over the Bay?????? Answer: A Baygull, (Bagel) Get it, LOLOLOLOLOL" Thanks for taking the extra time to drop him those notes.
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Elisabeth Howard-Langmack, via CaringBridge 1/2
As always Mark and your family are in my thoughts. ..what I want to know is who won the pillow fight?
All I really remember now is that I ended up on the bottom of a pile of pillows, and kids aged 6 to 16, with bent glasses. My memory of that event is a little fuzzy.
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By Rich Mackey, Newark NJ fire department, via CaringBridge 1/15
God bless you Mark, stay strong little buddy and always stay positive! You are a very brave and strong young man and must be making your parents so proud. You are in my prayers and I will spread the word about you. If you would like a patch, just let me know!
Rich, thanks for the offer. We don't have a fire patch collection here, not sure why not after 20+ years of me riding fire trucks around. Perhaps Mark can start one for the family. Patches from anyone who is willing to send one can be mailed to: to Mark Billington - 39801 NE 26th St - Washougal WA 98671. Thank you!
Dearest Frank & Wendi (or should I say "Gramps & Grammie?!"), Brave Mr. Mark, and your whole beautiful crew... I just stumbled onto Facebook for the first time in ages and learned of what's been going on in your world these past couple of months. I've never been good at keeping in touch, but have also never stopped loving you! I just wanted you to know that from this point forward you will all be constantly in my prayers. God is good and gracious and He loves you more than we can even imagine! In his Word, He says that He will not harm you, but has already planned how He is going to bless you with a hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11). Hold tight to joy! I'm so thankful that you have such a wonderful community of folks around you to help and encourage you right now. The last time I logged in to Caring Bridge was about 5 years ago, when I read the news that another young boy we know, who had also been undergoing treatment for a serious brain tumor, had finally been declared "cancer-free!" He is still doing great today! I hope that his story, like many others', encourages you. There is good reason for hope! And for the long-haul, I will be praying for the grace to get thru each day as it comes and for many surprise blessings to lighten the load. I wish I could hug you, my sweet friend Wendi. My heart is with you!
ReplyDeleteBy Bill & Heather Lawrence — Jan 25, 2015 2:26am
Hi Mark, It's Friday, Jan.23, and they say we are getting snow. My Son is happy. He's out of money, preparing his equipment to plow, and salt for his customers. I hope we get a H U G E snow, even though it can cause traffic problems. I just came home from the US Army National Guard Militia Museum in Lawrenceville, NJ, doing volunteer work on Tanks and Artillery gun exhibits. So, I'm going to get some rest before I have to report to work. I'll talk with you soon Mark. Joe
ReplyDeleteBy Joe Russo — Jan 23, 2015 10:55am
Lol, Frank, the reason you don't have a patch collection is because you generously and lovingly gave them to your firebuff sister when she became an EMT! I love you! Mark: I love you SOOOOOOO much and have been praying for you. So have all of my friends and several prayer groups I have added you and the whole family to. I am proud of you for your courage and great attitude. <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteBy Karen — Jan 23, 2015 7:20am
I'm so proud of Mark! I love him tons and hope the surgery is successful in removing all of the tumor and that it's one of the least dangerous types of cancer and that he will soon be completely healed forever. I keep praying for him. Little sweetie! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
ReplyDeleteBy nancy — Jan 23, 2015 12:52am