Mark’s Story

Site created on May 14, 2024

Mark’s ALS Journey...

Yes, you read that right, Mark has ALS.  It's more than sad, it’s devastating.

Two and a half years ago, in November of 2021, we noticed Mark slurring his words.  After much convincing from friends and family, and seeing the symptoms worsen, we went to the ER at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids in Jan/Feb of 2022 and stayed for a few days.  All tests were inconclusive.  

In February of 2022 we met with a neurologist in Cedar Rapids who did more tests, ruled out ALS and referred us to the University of Iowa. After doing all the same painful tests at the University, the results were again inclusive.  The doctor was perplexed as Mark didn’t have any typical signs of ALS yet his bulbar palsy (the difficulty with his speech and swallowing) was evident.

We went to Mayo in May of 2022 and spent two days there doing numerous tests.  They diagnosed him with bulbar palsy, which could possibly turn into ALS, but nothing was conclusive. The best news we received was that there is no genetic component to Mark’s condition.

In an effort to find some relief from symptoms, we have been to a few holistic doctors. Mark has done, and continues to do, lots of laser therapy/QRNT/peptides and the list goes on. We have done testing for Lyme, mold, and much more. In addition, we have been to Cleveland multiple times to see Dr. Isham Nameh who does a holistic, different approach to acupuncture along with prayer/faith healing.

As you can imagine, we have exhausted our resources while looking for answers and help.

Based on having bulbar palsy, Mayo recommended we check with the University as they have an ALS clinic each quarter that Mark could be grouped into. We have continued to participate in this clinic each quarter and meet with PT/OT/Nutrition/Neurology/Speech Therapy etc. As ALS/bulbar palsy is not curable, there is not much they can offer except for ideas and resources we can use.

Mark has been unable to talk for almost two years but uses text to communicate. Thanks to amazing leadership at his workplace, Ovation Networks, Mark is still working when he is up to it. 

Along with supporting our kids (aged 20, 17, and 14) in their events: lots of baseball, track, football, basketball, dancing and, soon to be, water ski team, they keep us busy. The kids are a welcome distraction from our daily emotional pain. As much as we try to laugh a lot and cry a little, some days those emotions are more crying than laughing, yet we try to maintain a sense of normalcy, especially for the kids.

Mark is a multi-sport athlete who worked out five days per week. He has been healthy and fit his entire life and is doing all he can to stay strong and live his normal life. His doctors continue to be amazed with all he is doing and continues to do. Watching such an amazing man/husband/dad/son/brother/friend be trapped in a body that is not able to function while his mind is sharp is incredibly awful. Thankfully, he was able to take ski trips in the winters of 2021, ‘22 and, ‘23 and has been physically strong throughout this whole process, until recently.

Last fall, Mark’s weight dropped by about 50 pounds due to having difficulty eating and swallowing. In January, he had a PEG tube (feeding tube) surgically placed. Although he can still try to eat and drink, he has formula three times daily to cover all his nutrition and caloric needs.

In March we noticed a big decrease in the strength of the muscles on Mark’s right side (his hands, his legs, etc.). He now walks slower, holds onto things for support with his left hand, and is having an even more difficult time eating.

We both are blessed with fantastic family and friends, along with a community rallying around us with support.  


Please pray for a cure. Pray for a miracle.

If you are reading this, we adore and appreciate you! 

THANK YOU for your prayers,
Mark and Tammy Dougherty




*As you can imagine, the financial burden of medical treatment, daily living expenses for a busy family, and the various needs that arise during such a challenging time can be overwhelming. Your generous donations will directly help alleviate these pressures, allowing Mark and his family to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time together and navigating this journey with hope and dignity. Any amount you can contribute will make a world of difference and be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your support and generosity. 

https://gofund.me/f7763c68

If you would like to mail a donation. Please make check payable to Tammy Dougherty and mail to:


Holly Loney
407 Wilder Dr. SE 
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403



Newest Update

Journal entry by Mindy Cairney

Guilt is a fascinating thing.

GUILT definition- Guilt is a moral emotion that occurs when a person believes or realizes—accurately or not—that they have compromised their own standards of conduct

I have often felt overwhelmed by something like “guilt” these last few weeks...

Since I gave the “green light” to family and friends asking to help us...
Since they started the fundraiser..
Since everyone is doing so much..
Since many of you are wearing t-shirts or bracelets to support Mark..
Since my brother and sister-in-law are here often helping with one thing or another...
Since my friends pop over to help or deliver food or fold clothes or do anything we need...
Since you are wearing stickers on helmets, on cars, on phones or wearing bracelets on your wrists...
Since you are offering rides for Mark or Max to take them where they need to go...
Since many of you are calling and reaching out and sending notes of love and prayers...
Since everything…

I have felt twinges of guilt.

I know I don’t need to feel this guilt. But being on the receiving end of so much generosity and love is out of our comfort zone, and I’m guessing most of your comfort zones. In the past, when we have helped others or donated money or made a meal, I was SO THANKFUL to the person on the receiving end that they let us help them. I was thankful we could do something to alleviate the stress. I never once thought the person we helped might feel guilty because we were helping them - never once.

So why is giving so much easier than receiving?

I know it is partly because we never picture ourselves in a situation like ours. We pray “that” doesn’t happen to us. I think giving is so easy for most of us - making time to help, donating, making a
meal, praying for others, and helping people in need. That is what we are taught growing up: be a good person, be kind, help others when you can, make someone else’s load lighter, pray, show up. Accepting the help and generosity of others is proving to be amazing yet at the same time... difficult. I have seen how heartbreak brings us together many times. I have seen how amazing our community and those we love near and far will be here for our family and friends. I just naively never thought we would be the ones to need all of this love and support.

Mark and I are both overwhelmed with emotions with everything happening around us - for us. He is a proud, strong, loyal, hard-working man who, in the past, rarely asked for help. He hates being the center of attention and would rather be the strong, quiet guy in the background. So, while I’m working out these feelings, I want to thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for everything and for your continued prayers and support.
 
We love and appreciate you.
 
Tammy and family (Mark, Jake, Claire, Max, and, of course, the pups Tim and Dug)
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