Mark’s Story

Site created on July 22, 2021


Thank you for visiting. 


Mark is the best dad and husband anybody could ask for. He is an automotive teacher at Taylor High School. He has been an active member of the community for the last 19 years, participating in coaching his kids (and other kids), serving on Granger school board, serving as a volunteer fireman, chairing planning and zoning, Lakefest committee (and car show) and Blue Santa. All 4 of his kids have attended Granger ISD, with 3/4 graduated, and one currently enlisted in the Navy.  

A bit of history: Back in 2016, Mark was diagnosed with colon cancer. In early 2017 (1/13 to be exact), Mark was told he was cancer free, no chemo, and our lives “resumed”. 

On 7/19/21, Mark was experiencing some serious coughing attacks that included blood. We went to the ER and within 5 hours, our world was changed. Mark’s left kidney has an 11CM cancerous mass and both lungs have lesions. We were admitted to the hospital for a biopsy and had that done 7/21. 


Mark has health insurance through the school, however it’s not the best insurance. He is facing a long and expensive road to recovery. 

Please keep Mark in your prayers and lift our family up as we face this new challenging world. 


Thank you. 



Newest Update

September 29, 2021

Journal entry by Cynthia Harwell —

Today was the foray into cancer “treatment”. Mark has his first infusion of Optivo. It’s immunotherapy. October 12 is the day he will have surgery to reverse the colostomy/stoma. Couldn’t be happier about that! Beyond that, we are having the benefit dinner this weekend and hoping for the car show as well (rain is forecast, so it’s up in the air). 

So far, just gaining more energy and trying to stay healthy. Resting and taking more breaks. Loving the life we have and living it the best we can. 
Read More of the journal titled "September 29, 2021"
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