Mark grew up and still lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up, Mark always led a very active life. In high school and college, he participated in competitive gymnastics and swimming. After college, he continued to enjoy swimming, canoeing, camping, kayaking, weightlifting and a host of other outdoor activities.

 In February 1992, at age 36, Mark suffered two strokes. The strokes were rather severe and left him hospitalized for 77 days. He now had to learn to live with disabilities which included, among others, paralysis of the left side of his body, difficulties with speech and difficulties with memory. Shortly after discharge from the hospital, Mark entered the Courage Center program, in Golden Valley, Minnesota where he stayed another 9 months learning how to live with his disabilities.

 After leaving Courage Center Mark lived with his stepbrother for a short time before going "independent" and getting an apartment of his own. This may sound simple, but it is no small task given his disabilities. Things that come very easily to people without disabilities can actually be life threatening to those who have disabilities. Over time, Mark has once again been able to participate, at a somewhat different level, in many of the activities he enjoyed prior to his strokes.

 Part of his activity during the last several years has been to do volunteer work at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where he spent the first 77 days after his strokes. He facilitates support groups, does outreach counseling and works in the resource center. Mark is consistently asked the question "How did you do it?" His response? Not meaning to downplay the obstacles he overcame, he asks, "What choice did I have?"

 Since having his strokes, Mark has kept a journal of his activities, thoughts and feelings. After reading some of the journals, friends suggested that he should share them with others so they could gain insight from them or find some encouragement in them. He felt that even if only a few were encouraged, helped or amused it would be worthwhile.

 This site is intended to provide insight for others and support (through journaling) for one person who has survived two strokes and has been working to put his life back together again, in spite of his disabilities. He currently works counseling people with disabilities and is also available to speak to groups.