********* He did it! Your thoughts, prayers, and Mark's hard work is making a difference. Mark is at HOME and starting the next phase of recovery! Please, no visitors at the house! If you attempt to visit him, their 8 pounds of fighting Shih Tzu's will run you off! Stayed tuned for more updates once things are settled at the house. ****************
We know Mark is not a “techie” or social media consumer, but we’ve decided to use this medium to let his many students, fans, friends, and supporters keep up with his progress. His story will be periodically updated, and journal entries will be made based on his daily status. We’ll teach Mark how to use it when he is able!
History On Sunday, October 13, Mark experienced an Aortic Aneurysm. We are pretty sure he had no idea what this was but was aware enough that something wasn’t right and alerted Betty Gray. With the heroic efforts of Betty Gray calling 911 and EMT's, he made it to Henrico Doctors Hospital and was rushed into surgery. His surgery involved replacing his aortic valve and repairing other damage caused by the aneurysm. Surgery has been reported to have lasted as long as 10 hours which is probably the longest consecutive sleep Mark has ever had anywhere outside of his man-cave couch. To Mark’s disappointment, he missed the Astros/Yankees game and Sunday night football.
A week later Mark remains in ICU and his recovery has begun. It will be a long haul for him and his family. His heart appears strong and other functions are responding to treatment, but it will be a very slow process. For those who have competed with or against Mark, and those who have played for him, we know he has a “never give up” attitude and his commitment to always strive to get better is steadfast. He’ll be working his tail off to get himself better.
Current status (follow daily updates in this site’s ‘Journal entries’)
At this time, the doctors and BG are not allowing direct visitors. His recovery will require a lot of hard work and rest. The family is happy to see people in the family area of the Cardiac ICU waiting area of Henrico Doctors on Skipwith Rd when they are available.
How to Help
The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of caring thoughts and prayers. It is hard for the family to keep up with “Thank You’s” and acknowledgements, but please know they are aware and most appreciative of all the support.
Most importantly, keep Mark in your thoughts and prayers for a full recovery.
Mark and BG have always been giving of themselves with their time and resources towards helping others. They’d like to keep this up, but obviously will be significantly limited in what they can do for a while.
They have respectfully asked that if you wish to help, please help them help others. They are willing to accept gift cards that can used either on their own behalf or to help others in the caring way they have always done. Gift Cards from grocery stores, gas stations, or general “Visa/Mastercard” type cards work best and will give them the flexibility to use as they need or would like.
Feel free to drop these off in a marked envelope for Mark or BG at the Godwin HS front office on Pump Rd.
You can also send gift card donations to the following people who will be sure to get them to Seidenberg’s:
Rob White, 2428 Old Coach Lane, Henrico, VA 23238
Hunter Thomas, 12507 Thornbury Place, Henrico, VA 23233
Mary Bruner, 611 Gardiner Rd, Richmond, VA 23229
Note: This Caring Bridge site is a wonderful resource to help families ease the burden of sharing information and letting those that care know what is going on. Donations made on the site are for purposes of keeping the overall site updated and ad free. Donations made are not able to be shared with families.
“Mark is officially home and has resumed his usual position on the couch watching both tv’s. Due to having such a big day already and BG having to get tooth surgery today, we ask that we have no visitors at this time. I know people are anxious to show their love by coming to see mark back in his element but we will let you know when he is ready for visitors! Thank you so much for your understanding in this and your continuous love and support!”
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