Mark, 35 years old

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Mark was 2 the first time he was placed in foster care for neglect however, he was reunified within the first year. Unfortunately, by the time he turned 6 he remembers realizing that the drinking and drug use was creating so many more problems for his parents. When Mark got older, after years of abuse and neglect, and with his brother's help, he reported his parents to the police for abuse and drug use, leading to his journey in foster care for a second time. Mark remembers the different placements, and credits his last foster parents with his success in the Marine Corps after aging out of the foster system. As an adult Mark volunteers to help children in foster care and has created a beautiful family of his own!

During the pandemic, Mark let his health and fitness slide and gained over 30 lbs. He has always been an avid hiker and made the goal to hike the Appalachian Trail in March of next year (2024). With the recent weight gain he is feeling a bit discouraged with his training and is determined to get back on track. Mark came to One Simple Wish to ask for support with a nutritionist who can help work with him to make healthier choices. Being healthy is important to Mark not only for his goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail, but also so that he can keep up with his kids and continue doing the activities with him that he loves so much.