Shawsie (Bris) replied:

Hi Jo, Absolutely could'nt believe the turn of events when you said that Mark had Kidney failure! Especially after seeing you guys on the Imbil weekend - Gobsmacked! I have no idea what you're in for, but Carolyn & I are thinking of you & Mark and we both hope that Mark makes a good enough recovery to enable him to get back behind the wheel.

All the best, Andrew & Carolyn

Scoey (QLD) replied:

Hi Jo,
I didn't have any part in the fundraiser you mention but I agree - there does need to be more people like that in the world. In this day and age where most people tend to be time poor it's easy to just say, good on them but they won't miss me if I don't come along/donate a coupla bucks etc etc I admit I'm probably the worst offender - still in my 20's so I think I've got forever to make a difference.

When something like this happens to a mate or even acquaintance (and although I haven't met anyone on this forum yet - I consider a lot of you mates!) it forces you to take a hard look at yourself and what you're about.

I hope that you guys get the very best care, all the support you need and more than your fair share of good luck! Take it easy and pas my best wishes on to Mark as well!

Cheers
Ross

Member - Sharyn M (VIC) replied:

Hi Jo & Mark,

While not aware of the 4wd run, I have been a supporter in other ways of the Kidney Foundation since I had kidney problems 9 years ago, though not to the extent of Mark's current illness. A very worthy cause, so am thinking of you as you ride this emotional rollercoaster of life. Hope all goes well and remain positive.

Sharyn.

Member - Bruce and Anne replied:

Hi Jo, you two take care and Annie and I are both thinking of you and hope we catch up on another trip soon.Also sorry no news on the bar-b-q as yet.
All the best Bruce and Annie

Muddies Doe(Trippn) replied:

HI Jo & Mark

It really doesn't matter who gives and doesn't as I am sure most of us give to different charities at some point and if not on a regular basis.
So whichever way someone benefits along the way with medical techiques that are improved because people........simply give!

I was thrown for a 6 in 1984 when the eldest son who was 7 was diagnosed with a type of bone tumor, not only with 1 but with 2 of them. After his biopsy and 5 days of the most deverstating waiting period of my life while trying to care for 2 younger ones and keeping a brave face to my son, we were told it was the lesser of 2 evils. Nevertheless, many trips to the hospital as well as a nice specialist doctor who did it locally for us free of charge because this was his field of expertise plus this was a very uncomman tumor. My son at the age of 14 was given the all clear as best as they can give it. Now you think that would be great and it truely was but for other reasons (during this time my mother was diagnoised with CML in 1987 and died in 1991 and later my father who was diagnosed and died in 2000 with his cancer) his life could take yet another unexpected turn because he has already had some form of cancer.
So my therory is....... "Life is what we make of it - So make the best of it"

So research as much about this as you can and arm yourself with knowledge on various techniques to deal with what you 2 are about to go through.

Best wishes and when there is a light at the tunnel, go for it and enjoy your tie together.

Cya
Judy & Muddy
:)

cackles replied:

Hi jo and mark,

I'm very sorry to hear of your news and i do hope the cards fall in your favour.

with regards to the charity bashes, my father has been involved with both the Kidney and endevour rallies for years and it truly is overwhelming to see the generosity of the entrants.

most entrants spend a lot of their spare time organising and running fundraising for these charities. many of these are of an off-road or camping nature and all funds raised go to the foundation.

while on a rally you will also find the entrants are on the whole always ready to help, many have mechanical experience and will be willing to help with repairs and most will help with towing if the worst should happen.

If you are at all interested in supporting these events you will have the time of your life, make lifelong friends and support the good work of these charities.

cackles