Mark DeCesare Mark DeCesare

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep Mark's family, friends & Damascus neighbors updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
   On August 10, 2018 Mark agreed to a surgical spine fusion at Georgetown Hospital after suffering for months from numbness in his arms & legs.  On August 17, Mark was released and sent home.  Then home for 7 days, and feeling better, Kathy & Mark went for a short walk.   Upon a returning, Mark closed the sliding glass door and heard a "pop".   Within 30 min the pain was too much, so Kathy called 911.  By the time the ambulance arrived Mark was unable to feel or move his arms or legs.   
   Back at the hospital the doctors discovered a major blot clot at the surgical location.   He had emergency surgery to have it removed.  Unfortunately, the damage caused to Mark's spine as a result of the pressure from the blood clot is still unknown. 
  Jump forward 3 months.  Mark is now at Lorien Mt Airy, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.  He has only regained feeling in his shoulders and upper arms, and is unable to move his arms productively.  This is due in part to the insurance companies discontinuing his therapy before Medicare could be established.  Kathy continues daily to understand the system, gathering information, and trying to get Mark the best care so that he can see improvement.  
   Mark & Kathy have lived in Damascus for over 20 yrs.  He has a son, Brian, living in Frederick with his wive and 3 children.  His 2 daughters, Jessica & Hannah, both graduated from Damascus HS and live locally.