Mark Anthony Research Paper

Introduction: Life Changing Disability
Life changing disabilities can be either a singular condition, or a combination of conditions, that can drastically change the course of an individual’s life. In most cases because we are not an island, this disability can make stronger bonds within the family, or break-up a good family foundation. These disabilities can be anything from a physical impairment to mental or intellectual issues. This can touch all members of the family, including the extended family members as well as the community.

Previously, we were introduced to Mark Anthony Brown, a four-year-old attending pre-school. He has a very loving family of doting, devoted parents, four older siblings and a set of Grandparents nearby.

Recently, he had been complaining of a boo-boo on his head. After several attempts of trying to find what he was complaining about, to no avail, it was kind of forgotten. One morning, as his mom, Sara, was getting him around for preschool, he threw up. With winter months, right around the corner if was shrugged off as a usual bug that runs through public places and eventually ends up at home base. He took a couple days off pre-school, but then appeared to be feeling better so returned to school.
As the weeks went on, Mark Anthony did not seem to have bounced back to his usual self.

He appeared sluggish and again started to complain about the boo-boo, but now exclaimed it was inside his head. Physically, he started stumbling quite frequently, and his speech, at times came out gibberish and very hard to understand. He had a seizure while in class, and although explanations were given to peers, there became a fear of being around him. Mark, was rushed to the hospital and while the family waited for results, everyone began a prayer chain. At the time of this incident nothing was discovered, except maybe he was stressed, and over tired, so Mark Anthony went back to

school.
Socially, and emotionally, Mark Anthony, became introverted because of the fear in his classmate’s eyes of a repeated performance. Mark Anthony’s, own unclear understanding of what happened, kept him in a state of uncertainty and confusion. Then vision began to be a problem for Mark Anthony, so an appointment was set up, for his eyes to be examined. Through that testing, which lead to further testing it was discovered Mark Anthony had a brain tumor. As word got out again the prayer chain was picked back up for him.
Tony, Mark Anthony’s dad, simply went to pieces.

He did not understand how he allowed this to happen to his little man. Sara Jane, Mark’s mother took a strong stance and was determined to find everything out about this tumor and what she and the family could do to combat this discovery. She considered resources and what might be available to benefit the family. The grandparents were the first on the phone, calling their congregation, and setting up vigils of prayer devotions. All four of Mark Anthony’s siblings took this news, as their personalities dictated to them.
Jasmine Jane, remaining the “boss” of all the siblings, and took on the responsibility of dictating who, and what, each sibling would do. Between Syria Jane, and Jara Jane, their mothering instincts kicked in, but Barbara Jane, although only six years old, manages quite well to hold them back from the too much smothering of Mark Anthony. The girls are all kind of skittish, but know enough and see enough to believe this is something quite

serious.
Mom’s first thought is the welfare being of Mark Anthony, so is doing all the research on brain tumors she can find. (example: http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_tumor/article.htm ) She is continuously taking notes at each doctor visit and between her and the doctors, they are coming up with the best way to destroy the tumor. Their goal, of course, is to save Mark Anthony’s life. Meanwhile, Tony, Marks dad, is not handling this news well at all, and is starting to rely more on alcohol. It is too devastating for him and because he is prone to the negative side of things, rather than the positive, he has mostly given into the negative side of this news.
Mark Antony’s grandparents are doing their part in trying to hold and support the younger generation, by giving them advice on support systems. Surprisingly, Grandpa Bobber, (Robert), went right out and bought himself a laptop to do his own research, so as not to tie up the main home computer. And with a few glitches, few trials, and errors, and with a little help from Grandma Lizzy, (Elizabeth), he was surfing the internet in no time. He found sites like http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_tumor/article.htm to help in defining a plan to keep the family on the same path, same goals, through support systems. He found resources within links he discovered, and although, some illnesses were not the exact same, as their family was going through could detect help was all around.
The siblings were found to be very useful in rallying their classmates and eventually the whole school into fund raisings and support for the family. With school children, they all have family, so it eventually has turned into a community backing with weekends devoted to walks, runs, and car washing, with the moneys going to the family’s financial needs. The girls have learned to use their internet social sites to come up with ways to keep the faith and to reach out to other kids their ages going through similar situations.
Meanwhile, Mark Anthony is adjusting well and his classmates are all coming around to his defense, by supporting him, with homemade cards, and get well, wishes. So many parents, have stopped Mark’s mommy, Elizabeth, asking what can they do to help. She in return has told them to educate their sons and daughters with the tolerance, acceptance, and love, needed for any children they find slightly different.