M A R K   M E N E N D E Z

Menendez Art from the Heart... 


UPDATE - MAY 15, 2023 - Mark began Cardiac Rehab 5 minutes from our home
he will continue there for 3 months.  After 2 weeks he's feeling stronger and building
some muscle!  May 22nd he had his one year, NEW HEART physical and all went well.  Thank you for you prayers.
On May 6, 2023, his family held a one year NEW HEART ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION for Mark.  What a joyful time of reflection from the past 16 months and prayers that he continue on the healthy path our Lord has put him on in his recover.


UPDATE - MARCH 1, 2023, Mark is healing well and gaining weight.He just finished his first color pencil piece since his heart attack over a year ago...Praise God!  He still needs to build his strength and energy as he tires easily.  But he's getting better every day and hopes to return to teaching soon.   Thank you for your continued prayers.

UPDATE - DECEMBER 17, 2022, What a fabulous month of healing!  Gaining strength, appetite and attitude.
We even visited his Tampa Studio this week and surprised a few of his students with a short visit!  Prayers for continued improvements and gaining weight and muscle.  Thank you for all the prayers, cards, gifts and well wishes.  They were a blessing to both of us.  Thank you also, for supporting our small business this year.   It helped more than you know.  Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year to All.

UPDATE - NOVEMBER 25, 2022, Mark has had some challenges this month with 2 trips back to TGH for minor tuneups, but overall healing and getting stronger.   He's actually had a couple of dreams where he is back to teaching art! Very encouraging for both of us.  He's looking forward to the holidays, so we ask for specific prayers that he will stay home and be well enough to participate in our family Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

UPDATE- OCTOBER 15, 2022, Mark is recovering at home.  Gaining weight and strength. Prayers for his continued progress.  It will be several months or longer before he can return to work, but God is in control of the timing and we are trusting Him in all things.  Matthew 6:25-6:34 

UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 20, 2022, PRAISE GOD!  MARK IS HOME! 
Mark still has a way to go to full recovery, but we know, with God's help, being home and with good home cooking, he should gain weight and strength much quicker!  Our many thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Tampa General Hospital who worked tirelessly to bring him back to health.  And...Thank you for all the prayers, cards, gifts and well wishes.

UPDATE - AUGUST 1st, 2022,  Mark has had a very busy JULY!  He discharged from TGH on July 1st to a Rehab Center in Sarasota. After 9 days there, he was back at TGH with dehydration.  On July 22nd, he was discharged to the brand new TGH Rehab Center for 3 days, then back to hospital for pneumonia.  He is still in the hospital recovering.  Prayers for the doctors to figure out whats causing these issues.  Mark's new heart and kidney are, thankfully, working well. 
JULY 29TH WAS 6 MONTHS HE'S BEEN AWAY FROM HOME. :(
UPDATE - JULY 1st, 2022,  PRAISE GOD! MARK is moving to a Cardiac Transplant Center in Sarasota, Florida...5 months after he entered the hospital.  He will be given intensive physical and occupational therapy to strengthen his limbs for the return home in 1-2 weeks!  Thank you for your prayers.  TGH is calling him "Miracle Mark"!   
                     Thank you for you continued prayers...they have worked miracles!
UPDATE - JUNE 3RD, 2022, Mark was transitioned OUT of ICU and into the Transplant Rehab Wing.  He has a very quiet and private room with a water view. Pray for the work left for him to recover enough to go home soon.  Also this week he made a trip outdoors...his first fresh air since January 29th.  Praise God for simple pleasures.
UPDATE - MAY 7, 2022.   MARK HAS A NEW HEART!  Mark had his heart and kidney transplant on Friday, May 6th.  It was a 13.5 hour surgery, but he is in recovery and doing well.  Your continued prayers are appreciated. 
NEWS - On January 29, 2022, Mark suffered a "silent" heart attack at his home.   He had no warning and no heart attack symptoms.  He just felt dizzy and collapsed.  Mark is at Tampa General Hospital and making excellent progress during his recovery at TGH. He is currently on a deferred heart transplant list until he builds his strength and nutrition.  He will remain at TGH thru the transplant surgery and recovery time.
     Mark would like to encourage everyone to schedule a non-invasive vascular test and coronary calcium scan.  Whether you have a family history or not, this is a life-saving test he wishes now he had done earlier in his life.
     Mark and Cathy want to thank everyone who have been praying for them both and ask for prayers to continue.  Their strong faith in God sustains them during this difficult time.
     They also want to thank the dedicated doctors and nurses who continue to provide outstanding care and treatment for Mark.  He would not be here if it weren't for them and almighty God.