Mark's Story

Make Your Mark:
 In the spring of 2000 Mark Staehley, Shorewood resident was a usual 12 year-old boy.  He loved playing baseball, collecting sport cards, riding his bike and of course video games.  That June Mark was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (a rare form of children's cancer).  Until Mark lost his battle to the disease in March of 2006, he exhibited an amazing form of strength and courage way beyond his years.

After spending Christmas of 2000 in the hospital and facing the sadness of those also hospitalized, he took it upon himself every Christmas after that to collect toys, movies, and video games and bring them to young patients over the holidays.  This started with 100 toys in 2001 to over 12,000 toys collected for the patients of Children Memorial Hospital in 2005.

Mark's family and friends have formed a fund in his honor called "Make Your Mark". This fund will raise funds to continue Mark's Treasure Chest Program and his annual Christmas Toy Drive.  Also the fund will be used to fulfill a promise made to Mark to raise money for research for new treatments and a cure for Neuroblastoma. 

Mark taught all those around him that even in the most unusual circumstances you can find time to care for others.  Mark was a young man who truly made his mark.  How will you make yours?

Proceeds from the Shorewood "Scoot" will go to the "Make Your Mark" Fund.