Please join us in a 5K Run/Walk to raise funds to provide for a conservation hero, Mark Lewandowski.
Organized by Mark’s daughters, this fundraiser is for their father, Mark, who suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke in January 2024. Doctors initially gave him slim odds of survival, and he spent months in a coma with “locked-in syndrome” — fully conscious but unable to move or speak. After two and a half years in hospitals and rehab, he has made significant progress, though he remains wheelchair-bound and requires full-time care. The funds aim to provide a wheelchair and an accessible van so he can attend family milestones and maintain independence.
Before the stroke, Mark lived a full and active life. He loved driving his old truck, kayaking, boating, hiking, and spending time with family. He was the kind of dad who went back to college while working full-time, graduated with straight A’s, and never missed an event. His passion extended far beyond our family. Early in his career, he worked at the Prospect Park Zoo and developed a deep love for tortoises. That passion eventually took him all the way to Madagascar, where he helped build enclosures and support conservation efforts to protect them from poaching. His kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Today, many of those simple freedoms are out of reach. Mark is largely confined to his room. With graduations and milestones ahead for his five children, our hope is that Mark can be present. This requires specialized medical equipment and transportation, which are costly.
We are raising funds specifically for:
While medical transportation services do exist, they are extremely costly and typically limited to short, scheduled trips for medical appointments only. They do not allow for flexibility, family time, or the ability to simply leave the house and experience life outside of medical needs. Over time, relying on these services alone is not a sustainable option for our family.
These are essential—not luxuries. They will allow Mark to safely leave the house, attend medical appointments and therapy, and most importantly, give him the chance to be there for his family and reconnect with life beyond four walls.
If you’re able to donate or simply share his story, it truly means more than we can express. Mark has always been there for us. Now, we are doing everything we can.
B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking.E - Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing or vision changes in one or both eyes.F - Face: One side of the face droops or is numb when smiling.A - Arm: One arm feels weak or numb and drifts downward when raised.S - Speech: Slurred speech, or difficulty speaking and understanding words.T - Time: Time to call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs, even if they disappear
Total may vary based on additional options such as donations.
*Includes processing fee
Your name on your bib three weeks before race day. Every race entry includes a T-shirt, finisher medal, and buff!
Scroll to the bottom of the page for 'how to' Virtual.May not come with a bib or swag.#efVirtual
Uncheck this box to register for the run/walk.
Form a Team with friends or family! This is optional and may not have any affiliated awards.
Registration fees are used toward race expenses and cannot be returned once you sign up.
