Family says thanks for years of support
At this Thanksgiving time we wish to give thanks to everyone involved with the Mark McCormick Fox River Run. To all the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, runners and friends who supported Mark's Foundation over the past 16 years, we thank you. You gave Mark the fight to carry on and keep up on his rehabilitation from his head injury.
With the proceeds from the race each year, Mark was able to have physical therapy twice a week. Additionally, we were able to purchase a special standing chair. He also had both a walking machine and a bicycle. Without your support these things would not have been possible. These items have now been donated to Marklund Rehabilitation Center in Geneva so another young adult may benefit from your generosity. We hear they are in constant use.
Sadly Mark passed away July 19, 2008, after spending 21 years of continued therapy to recover from a cerebral hemorrhage. He tried so hard and never gave up. The outpouring of friends and runners at his funeral was heartwarming and overwhelming to us. He had touched so many lives. This past August his race was run in his honor and the runners ran one last time for him. We know he was running along with them this year.
All proceeds this year went toward his final resting place expenses. He is buried in Noblesville, Ind., to be close to family.
There were so many whose constant help and concern need mentioning. Linda Stuart, who for 16 years gave her love and never ending help to Mark and his family. She was constantly finding ways to help with the foundation.
Neighbors Ralph and Nancy Palmeri, Larry and Peggy Cordt, Lori, Melissa and Sarah Burchette helped through the years as volunteers and organizers.
Connie Ryan for her unending help, thank you.
Mr. Hoage and staff at the Valley Community Bank were always there for us.
Zimmerman Ford, whose donation paid for the T-shirts each year. They also supplied Mark's favorite car, a Ford Mustang, each year for the kickoff for the race.
The staff at the St. Charles Public Library who helped in so many ways.
The Daily Herald and Kane County Chronicle for covering the race through the years.
Gaffney's PMI who insured the foundation each year.
Boy Scout Troop 60 for their community service on the trails supplying the runners with water each year.
The City of St. Charles for accommodating our needs each year.
Every year these few and many others would be there in a variety of different ways to support us and Mark.
His friends, Art Gunther and family, Dan Zeller and family and Steve Rosenbloom and family, buddies from Mark's school days, supported Mark from the day of the accident and beyond. They have all become part of our family. They were faithful to a fault in their constant love and concern for Mark. Mark was truly a blessed man to have such true friends.
His roommates through the years at PineView Health Care center, the residents and to Mark's daily caregivers, we thank you for all your care and love.
We hope and pray every young man or woman who has a severe head injury or illness will have the same love and support that Mark had all these years.
Thank you all and God bless all.
Happy Thanksgiving.
The family of Mark McCormick
St. Charles