Bill Joyner
08-12-2010, 08:40
For any of you 10th groupers that know Mark.
Mark was my senior commo on ODA 014 (95-99). I received the following email from his wife Vicky, If any of you can, please send Mark a postcard IAW Vicky's request
Hello Bill,
It is hard for me to write to tell that yes Mark was in a Tragic accident. Four months ago he was cycling to work and ran into a parked semi trailer truck. He broke his neck and a few days later suffered a stroke.
I certainly has been a very stressful time, Mark spent the first 6 weeks in a critical condition. He has slowly started coming out of the fog. Mark is now in rehab, learning how to cope and manage. He has been diagnosed with quadriplegia, he has no movement below the chest or finger movement. He does have wrist elbows, shoulders and his head. This is a lot so we are more fortunate than most quads. The stroke has had a huge effect on his recovery, he has limited short term memory, limited eye sight on the right and some movement problems on his right arm.
That's all the bad news. The good news is, it is still Mark. He is just as funny as ever, never gets mad or frustrated which amazes me and he keeps his nurses laughing all day. I see his determination each day learning new ways to be able to get on with life.
He is getting the best care that you could find, Mark was covered by a work cover insurance that pays for everything from income to equipment, carers and even home modifications. We own our home, so financially we will be ok.
Personally I feel very lucky that he is still alive, we still have a fun future ahead of us- it will just be very challenging. There are so many opportunities available for us. I know this is a sad letter to read, but the one thing that Mark and I agree is that we do not feel sorry for ourselves, we have each other and great kids.
All the best to your family, I know Mark always liked and respected you, and would have wanted to pass the on the news. Feel free to pass this letter on to any of Marks colleges.
Lastly if you have time can you send a postcard - we are on a mission to see where they come from and how many Mark can get while in rehab.
Vicky Eckenroth
Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
Mark Eckenroth
Spinal Unit bed 8
Yarra bvd
KEW VIC 3010
Australia
Mark was my senior commo on ODA 014 (95-99). I received the following email from his wife Vicky, If any of you can, please send Mark a postcard IAW Vicky's request
Hello Bill,
It is hard for me to write to tell that yes Mark was in a Tragic accident. Four months ago he was cycling to work and ran into a parked semi trailer truck. He broke his neck and a few days later suffered a stroke.
I certainly has been a very stressful time, Mark spent the first 6 weeks in a critical condition. He has slowly started coming out of the fog. Mark is now in rehab, learning how to cope and manage. He has been diagnosed with quadriplegia, he has no movement below the chest or finger movement. He does have wrist elbows, shoulders and his head. This is a lot so we are more fortunate than most quads. The stroke has had a huge effect on his recovery, he has limited short term memory, limited eye sight on the right and some movement problems on his right arm.
That's all the bad news. The good news is, it is still Mark. He is just as funny as ever, never gets mad or frustrated which amazes me and he keeps his nurses laughing all day. I see his determination each day learning new ways to be able to get on with life.
He is getting the best care that you could find, Mark was covered by a work cover insurance that pays for everything from income to equipment, carers and even home modifications. We own our home, so financially we will be ok.
Personally I feel very lucky that he is still alive, we still have a fun future ahead of us- it will just be very challenging. There are so many opportunities available for us. I know this is a sad letter to read, but the one thing that Mark and I agree is that we do not feel sorry for ourselves, we have each other and great kids.
All the best to your family, I know Mark always liked and respected you, and would have wanted to pass the on the news. Feel free to pass this letter on to any of Marks colleges.
Lastly if you have time can you send a postcard - we are on a mission to see where they come from and how many Mark can get while in rehab.
Vicky Eckenroth
Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
Mark Eckenroth
Spinal Unit bed 8
Yarra bvd
KEW VIC 3010
Australia