Mark Miller ...the saga continues

Last year a page was put up for my 18 year old nephew Mark Miller. His illness started a couple of years ago, at age 15 beginning with crippling pain under his ribs. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, an agonising and dangerous condition.

Last year Doctors at Waikato Hospital decided that the best course of action for Mark was to put a stent in his pancreas and for around 4 months Mark was almost pain free. Then he found himself in agony again and back in hospital. The stent had failed and after much discussion it was replaced with the hope that this would 'be it'. Sadly this procedure has been necessary a total of three times in the last 12 months, each attack of pancreatitis resulting in numerous hospital admissions. The Doctors had resigned themselves, and Mark, that this would be his future, Stent replacing operations every few months. The long term for this course of action is far from ideal with the pancreas eventually being rendered useless.

Mark began work as a tiler with the opportunity of an apprenticeship at the beginning of this year but has had more time off than on, due to pain and recovery. He is blessed to have a boss who is keen to keep the job open for Mark due to his excellent work ethic when he was there.

However there is wonderful news. John, Mark's dad was given some information that led him back to the specialist who made it possible for Marks first Stent operation. This very gifted surgeon has offered Mark hope. It turns out that Mark has now had the right amount surgeries to leave the perfect covering of scar tissue for a total re-plumbing of his pancreas. This is a small window of opportunity and in affect will give Mark a normal and long life.

The purpose for this Give a Little page request is that the operation that Mark is scheduled for will cost a minimum of $40,000.00 due to it not being available within the Public Health System and is so specialized it needs to be performed in a private hospital in Auckland. Marks parents have put in all they can to help, but it falls short of what is required. If you would be prepared to donate to this Give a Little page you will be contributing to giving Mark the opportunity to live a very full and long life.