About Mark Pendlebury:

Mark developed Type 1(juvenile) diabetes in November, 1983. He was only 4 years old. Though he was much younger than the typical diabetic patient at that time, Mark's overall health has been surprisingly normal. Unfortunately, over the last several years he started to experience the early stages of kidney failure. With help from his family and friends he has followed doctor's orders with medications and diet, but the inevitable has come to pass.

On Father's Day, 2012, Mark received a phone call from his doctor telling him to go straight to the Emergency Room. Mark had just had labs days before, and the results showed that his renal condition had very rapidly deteriorated. His kidneys had previously been declining at a fairly slow, steady rate, so this phone call definitely came as a surprise. Shortly after, Mark paid a visit to the nephrologist, and together they determined Mark needed to start dialysis. The doctor also decided Mark should consider applying to be on the kidney transplant list (and while he was at it, try to get a pancreas as well, to get rid of that pesky diabetes). There is not a time in Mark's life when he can remember not having a life changing medical condition.

So, after mountains of paperwork, calls to the insurance company, orientation class(where they make sure you are super sure you want to make this choice), countless surgical procedures, doctors appointments, more doctors appointments, more paperwork, and several surgical clearances, Mark is finally active on the transplant list for a new kidney and a new pancreas...well, new to him. Now there is just waiting. He could receive a call anytime, day or night, to go straight to the hospital for his new organs. This is a very exciting and scary time for Mark and his whole family. After these transplants, Mark will no longer have diabetes. He will also no longer experience the need, or horrible symptoms, of being in End Stage Renal Failure.

Born in Manchester, England, Mark's family relocated to the United States when he was 14 years old. The Pendlebury family lived in Martinez, Georgia. Mark attended Evans High School and Augusta State University. When Mark was 20 years old he met Lisa, and that was that. Mark and Lisa have been married over 13 years and have two beautiful daughters. Kelley is 11 years old, and Emlyn is 7 years old. Mark is a passionately devoted husband and father. He is also a very professionally driven and hard working man. Mark has attended The Vineyard Church of Augusta for 14 years. He leads worship in a small group, and the girls are very active in Kid's Church and Youth Group. We appreciate your interest in our adventure.

How Can I Help?

Right now, prayer and funds are needed. The transplant is a major surgical cost, and the treatment after that adds to the overall figure. We have multiple ways for you to donate funds to Mark Pendlebury:

(1) Direct Donations to a Paypal account setup to receive funds for Mark....click here for more information.

(2) Attend an event fundraiser for Mark.....click here for more information.

You can also be connected to others that are helping Mark by "liking" our facebook page....click here.