On February 26, 2014...
Yvette in MO posted a note for Mark that says:
Hello there. I go in March 5th. I am going to ask lots of questions about that vent tube! We will have to chat on the flip side with our broken hearts fixed
Mark LaBonte  Hi Yvette! Well I too am concerned about the ventilator but keep telling myself that I am not the fir ... Read more
On February 26, 2014...
Dora posted a note for Mark that says:
Hi Mark, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I had surgery 2/7/14, and have been home almost 2 weeks, every day gets better. You''ll be fine. My trust and faith in God is what has helped me the most!
Mark LaBonte  Thank you Dora! It is wonderful to hear of your progress!!! Having faith I'm sure will carry me thro ... Read more
On February 25, 2014...
Brian cates posted a note for Mark that says:
Hey Mark. Are you in San Diego? Small world... I had my pre opp today at UCSD. I am set to go next Wed. March 5th, check in 5:30 am!!! I am 58 and live in Encinitas. Lets talk. I will e mail you my cell number. Brian Cates
Mark LaBonte  Hey Brian....yes I guess we are on the same path.....I am in South Park and heading to Scripps on the ... Read more
On February 25, 2014...
Tom posted a note for Mark that says:

February 26, 2014

Peace of Mind
As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind,
as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence,
we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.


Thought to Ponder . . .
Happiness and peace of mind are always here, open and free to anyone.
On February 25, 2014...
Tom posted a note for Mark that says:
Just do the footwork and leave the results up to you know who...
Mark LaBonte  Sage advice!!! I am certainly trying to do this!!!
On February 25, 2014...
DAVID RINEHART posted a note for Mark that says:
Mark

Stay positive and let the doc's do their job. I know you will pull thru this and I'm looking forward to the sound of your voice next week.

Mark LaBonte  Many thanks David!!!
On February 24, 2014...
Cami posted a note for Mark that says:
Have a similar story, and aortic valve replacement on march 3. Good luck to you, and may we both have successful surgeries and smooth recoveries!
Mark LaBonte  Hi Cami.....wishing you the most successful of surgeries, a painless and speedy recovery!!!
On February 24, 2014...
Jim Blase posted a note for Mark that says:
Mark,
What to say... hummm.. something funny....something uplifting......say something political...or I could post a picture but what I really want you to know is that your loved by many and are an important part of our lives... Keep good positive thoughts it really helps. All my best
Mark LaBonte  Thanks Jim!!!! Your words mean a lot!!!
On February 24, 2014...
Jere Halligan posted a note for Mark that says:
"what Tom Cary said"

XOXO
Mark LaBonte  Aww...Jere!!! Thank you!
On February 24, 2014...
Lucia posted a note for Mark that says:
Mark, you are brave and courageous. It may sound mushy, but it beats a mushy heart! Love you and praying all goes well. It is coming so soon and the anxiety has to be mounting, so hang in there and know you are loved by many!
Mark LaBonte  Thanks Lucia!!!! Your support means a lot!!!!!
On February 23, 2014...
t. posted a note for Mark that says:
...heck of a way to keep track, but the possum valve is certainly a possibility that we never (or is it would never have) considered..

If not before, see you in the ring at Rio Hondo.

Mark LaBonte  Rio Hondo? Who is this? :LOL....Ted you are too funny!!!
On February 23, 2014...
Chris York posted a note for Mark that says:
Mark!

So glad to see you in the lotus position!!!! This time is all about you and for you. Everything else is incidental.

Like taxes. In hindsight, you may come to realize the timing of your procedure may have truly been a blessing in disguise. In the very least, you will have sidestepped all things April 15th!

Remember to breathe. Know that you have many up here in the North that love you and support you.

Mark LaBonte  Thank you Chris for the kinds words!!! who knows why life throws us these curveballs, but alas I look ... Read more
On February 23, 2014...
Amanda LaBonte posted a note for Mark that says:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Be positive and remember we are here for you.
Love you
Mark LaBonte  Thank you dear Sister in Law!!!
On February 23, 2014...
Nancy Massucco posted a note for Mark that says:
God will be by your side each step of the way..Prayers will continue for as long as you need them. Sending our love and support from NH..Nancy ans Wally
Mark LaBonte  thanks Nancy for the prayers...hope you are staying warm back in NH!
On February 23, 2014...
Lucia posted a note for Mark that says:
Hi Mark,
Went on Google and found you since I didn't get another e'mail. Thinking of your and praying all goes well. Stay as stress-free as possible:0)
Love you,

Aunt Lu
Mark LaBonte  So happy you found it.....doing my best on the stress level!!!!
Mark LaBonte  Lucia....not sure but to get email notifications you need to sign up for my notifications.....I will ... Read more
On February 23, 2014...
Tom Cary posted a note for Mark that says:
HP has a plan. Just show up and do what the professionals tell you to do. Footwork is your job,. results, H.P.'s
On February 22, 2014...
Gloria posted a note for Mark that says:
May hope, faith, and courage be your guiding light in this whole process and know that you are surrounded by caring thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery from everyone that loves.

It will be a matter of time before you are back on your feet and in hight spirits.

Know that I am there for you. With love. Gloria
Mark LaBonte  Thanks Gloria....you are a kind soul!!!
On February 22, 2014...
Janet Hampton posted a note for Mark that says:
Wishing you the best recovery possible. thanks for letting me follow you journey.
Mark LaBonte  Thank you Janet!!!
On February 22, 2014...
Clare posted a note for Mark that says:
I am 46 and had my bicuspid valve and aorta replaced 6 weeks ago. Remember to take it one day at a time. Praying for your successful surgery.
Mark LaBonte  Sage advice Clare! Thank you! Hope I can remember that
On February 22, 2014...
Meredith Bray posted a note for Mark that says:
Hi Mark! I'm 42, BAV, stenosis, etc. Our stories are similar, and my surgery is March 5th. I'm pulling for ya, and I'll tell my Big Guy in the Sky to look out for you as well. Looking forward to reading your journal!
Mark LaBonte  Wishing you best of luck Meredith!!! Are you having open heart?
On February 22, 2014...
Tom in KC posted a note for Mark that says:
Mark,
This items full of BAV patients. I think it istheleading condition, but given that 2%of the population are born withs bicuspid aorta valve, that makes sense.
I am 56 and had my aorta and aorta valve replaced 8 weeks ago. Doing pretty well. I went back to work Friday. Doing cardio rehab on MWF mornings at 7am.
I did to not have many noticeable symptoms, but the aorta was getting to dangerous condition, so we had it replaced. You will do fine with the surgery and recovery. Just take one thing at a time, don't stress about all the things you think need to happen. Go with the flow.
We of the community will be more than happy to give you advice. My email is in the box below.
Tom
Mark LaBonte  Thanks for the great advice Tom!!! Happy to hear you are back on your feet and work!!!
On February 22, 2014...
Kevin posted a note for Mark that says:
Mark - I know you have a good doctor, and will be in good hands. Having a higher power will likely helpful - so I think you're covered. I hope you get something cool, like a possum valve! :) Big hugs!
Mark LaBonte  Thanks Kevin!!! You are my saviour and thank you for being my advocate!
On February 22, 2014...
Frank Doft posted a note for Mark that says:
Hi Mark,

Dito. Positive thoughts and best wishes.

I hope your surgery goes as well as Libby's.

F. <3
Mark LaBonte  Thanks Frank!!!! Me too......
On February 22, 2014...
Linda & Adrian Sanchez posted a note for Mark that says:
Positive thoughts, all our best wishes and many prayers for our dear friend!
Mark LaBonte  Thanks Linda & Adrian!!!!