Texas thrower Mark Chapman facing hospice after major stroke
Mark was hospitalized in Houston after stroke.
Cheryl continued:
He cannot swallow and the left side has no movement. 50 plus percent of people with his stroke die in 6 months. If he were to survive the 6-month window, he would be plagued with pneumonia, more clots, bedsores, etc. They expect him to have pneumonia in the next two days.
Mark and I talked on many occasions that that is not the life we wanted and the other person was to make sure that never happened. I want people to come and see him here at the house. No cell phone calls (you can text) in his room and no crying except outside.
He knows how bad the stroke is, I told him, but I told him he is coming home because the hospital cannot do anything more for him — which is the truth. He does not need to dwell on death, just be visited by cheerful friends and have prayers. Please pass this on so he can see the people who care for him before he goes.
It could take a day or two or two weeks.
Mark had been taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston.
Cheryl wrote Seth earlier:
That’s right next to the Texas Children’s Hospital at Holcomb and Fannin. For now he’s in ICU #5. but should be moving to the neuro unit on the 22nd floor in the next day or so. Visiting hours are 24/7. I’m going down Friday morning about 10AM and have room for 2-3 if anyone in Austin area wants to ride along.
You can write Cheryl at k9luvrs (at) hughes.net.
Our deepest condolences on this ordeal.
11 Responses
Your great love of and support for the throwing events is well-known and well-documented, over a vast number of years. Please accept our prayers and support from the whole of the Throws community, men and women across all age groups, during this time of need. We hope you find peace and strength in His blessings.
I don’t know Mark, but I wish strength and peace to him and to Cheryl, and friends and family.
I’ve never met Mark Chapman, but he has supported by Foundation for the past 6 years. He was a special friend of the late thrower Betty Javis and because of our relationship with her, Mark has continue to support my Foundation. I feel as though I know him. I am deeply sadden by the news. My prayers go out to his wife and family. Through God all things are possible he can make a way when there’s no way.
I do not know Mark but I know how devastating such a sudden and incurable change in the health of one’s life partner can be. I wish both Mark and Cheryl strength and courage. Hospice will provide much needed help. I hope the final days will be as easy as possible for Mark. For Cheryl seek and accept such help as you need so that you will be strong for Mark in these very difficult days ahead.
I have known this couple for many years and they always epitomized what masters track is. A loving caring group of people. Mark and Cheyl will always be remembered for the Cat Springs Grunt Throws meet they hosted for many years. My prayers are with them as they struggle.
Mark had a positive impact on more people than he realized. I competed with him once every couple of years and remember him well for his dedication to throwing events and genuine friendship for those he met. I was in a meet today and thought of Mark as I tossed the implements.
prayers for him and his family
I initially met Mark through one of Seth’s many meets, and later was privileged to have been invited to several of Mark’s “Cat Springs Grunt” throwing competitions. Not only did he graciously host this throwing event on his property, but he invariably gave every participant a jacket with their name on it, or a nice equipment bag, etc. Most importantly though, he made them feel welcome – like they were part of his family.
People never just speak of “Mark”, though. It is always “Mark and Cheryl” or “Cheryl and Mark”, because they are a team. Cheryl always offered the opportunity for throwers to donate to her special mission, P.U.P.S. (Prevent Unwanted Pets), an organization devoted to promoting pet spaying and neutering. And she always seemed to have a number of pet adoptees hanging around the place.
They are truly two lovely people.
The link below is to a group photo of the 2007 “Cat Springs Grunt” Mark is in the front row with the blue ball cap, and Cheryl is to the left in the tie-dyed t-shirt. If you look closely you will also see throwing stars like the late Tom Gage (back row in the black shirt), Carol Finsrud (back row, red shirt), Wendell Palmder (“Texas” shirt), and Jim Gerhardt (straw hat).
https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0#my-drive
I am deeply saddened to hear about Mark. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you both. May the outpouring of love and support of those whose lives you have touched strengthen you both at this very difficult time.
As stated already in some of the other post, you both are truly very lovely people with such big hearts. Your support of the throwing community has always been appreciated in more ways than you know. You’re very generous giving and caring spirit has touched so many lives and I say THANK YOU!
Once again my prayers are with you both.
I have been out of town and did not know about this until I saw the obituary in the Houston paper today. My heart goes out to Cheryl and the family. May you find comfort in knowing that many thoughts and prayers are there with you from your track family.
I think that everything typed was actually very logical.
But, think about this, suppose you were to create a awesome
post title? I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your website, however suppose you added something that grabbed people’s attention?
I mean masterstrack.com Texas thrower Mark Chapman facing hospice after major stroke
Leave a Reply