Mark Belew

Mark Belew

Transplant Type: Double Lung

Update May 20, 2021

First of all, thank you to all who have already donated to and shared our fund raiser page, we so appreciate all your love and support. You have no idea and words cannot express our gratitude. So here's the latest on Mark! He graduated CCU on Friday, May 15 and was moved to the recovery ward. He's had most of his tubes removed (i.e. Chest tubes, central line, dialysis ports, NG tube, catheter, whew!!) freeing him up to be a little more mobile. He's still pretty weak but with the help of PT, nurses and his own inner motivation he will gain that strength back day by day. The most beautiful thing in the world is the hear him take a deep breath and let out a big sign after exertion! Woohoo! Thank you Team Mark from Kaiser, UCSF for acceptance and knowledge and belief in Mark and for all your prayers!!! Biggest shout out goes to God for his hands and design is ALL over this! Next step is to get him strong enough to get up the 15 stairs to our temporary home in SF. God bless those that helped us get here too! this beautiful tribe of ours is amazing! It really takes a village and I cannot thank you enough for being there for us. I'm already in this amazing home in SF. All of this is like a dream, I'm still in awe! So, that's it for now. So if you will please help if you can and share this page again and again if you will. God bless you all. Thank you!

Big big hugs,

Kelly B xoxoxo

Update May 6, 2021

Mark had his lung transplant on Sunday, April 27. We are amazed at how fast this happened & soooo Grateful! 

Since then, UCSF has removed his breathing tube and he's been up in a chair. He did well that day but his oxygen levels started to drop so we, the doctors and I, thought that it was best to put the breathing tube back in. 

On Thursday the 29th, they did a trachiotomy so they can strat to mobilize him; he sat up for an hour that same day and for 2 hours on Friday.

The doctors and nursed are so amazing and answer all our questions; they've given us nothing but hope. They've told me that Mark's process hs been expidited. That makes me feel sooo much better.

I've been visiting almost everyday, driving back and forth from Sonoma County to UCSF. So grateful to be as close as we are.

Thanks to a great friend, we have found a great place to stay in San Francisco only 2 miles from the hospital. We have to stay within 30 minutes of UCSF for a minimum of 6 weeks once Mark is released.

I am sooo looking forward to being in the City and losing the commute! And to spend more time with Mark!  The goal is to be there the weekend of the 15th to stay. Thank God we can work from home!

I also need to be in and out of UCSF for the extensive training in Mark's care. We have a place for our caregivers too!

I truly believe that God's Divine planning is all over this and so blessed as our needs are being filled with such grace.

Thank you to all of you who have already donated! We are so grateful for your support and love and prayers.

That's all for now but I will update again soon.

Big hugs, 

Kelly

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Mark Belew has been given a second chance at life. In 2019, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). His diagnosis came as quite a shock, as he had a CT scan in 2018 which showed that his lungs were completely clear. Doctors said a double lung transplant was critical for his survival. Luckily, he received his double lung transplant on April 25, 2021, only five days after being listed!

Despite his recent health obstacles, Mark is thankful to have an amazing group of family and friends. He wishes that they did not need to be so concerned about his health but is grateful for their love and support. Before his condition began to decline, Mark enjoyed camping, traveling, sight-seeing, and attending social events. He looks forward to the transplant that will allow him to do these things again. More than anything, Mark wants to spend many more years making memories with his loved ones, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Mark’s new life comes at a very high price.

Even though Mark’s surgery has already taken place, and his insurance will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. Mark will continue to need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications, which are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. At this time in his transplant journey, Mark and Kelly will need to stay near the hospital during recovery, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Mark.

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Mark Belew” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center:  University of California San Francisco Medical Center