Mark and Marianna Paprocki have been married for 52 years and are the proud parents of four children and seven grandchildren. Resilience has been a hallmark of their family.

Originally from Steubenville, Ohio, they relocated to Jackson Township for a better job opportunity for Mark. Moving away from a small town where they were surrounded by family and friends was difficult, but together, Mark and Marianna faced the challenge and created new traditions in their new community. Today, they are facing another challenge together: Mark’s cancer journey.

In February 2024, Mark’s family physician, Dr. Kyle Farley, diagnosed him with low hemoglobin of an unknown cause. He was referred to the Aultman Cancer Center for two separate blood transfusions.

Despite the transfusions, Mark’s hemoglobin levels showed no improvement. The next step was to identify the source of his blood loss, which led to a colonoscopy. Colon cancer was confirmed, and surgery would be necessary. Mark had no symptoms, making the diagnosis even harder to accept.

Dr. Steven Kelly performed Mark’s surgery on March 17, 2024. Marianna remembers the kindness and compassion Dr. Kelly showed immediately following the procedure. Overwhelmed and uncertain, she felt comforted by Dr. Kelly’s calm approach during the post-operative conversation.

When Marianna mentioned that her mother had passed away from colon cancer many years ago, Dr. Kelly reassured her, saying that treatment and care of colon cancer had come a long way. He encouraged her not to look back, but to look forward.

Dr. Kelly referred Mark to Dr. Raza Khan for chemotherapy at the Aultman Cancer Center. It was here that Mark and Marianna found Kristy Russell, GI and head/neck cancer navigator, and Rachel Elek, oncology social worker.

“Both Kristy and Rachel have been incredible,” Marianna said. “They anticipate our needs and just seem to know when I need a hug or a safe space to talk. They are both excellent listeners!”

Marianna described the care provided at the Cancer Center as extraordinary, from art therapy to the nutrition counseling services. “There are not enough words to describe the care,” she said. “The entire team treats the whole family with kindness and compassion. No one sees this as a job – they see it as a calling because they truly care and are passionate about their work.”

Mark is close to receiving his last official treatment. While this may sound unexpected, Marianna said she has mixed feelings about not visiting the Cancer Center on a regular basis anymore. “It’s our safe place, a place where everyone surrounds the patient and family with support,” she said.

When asked what is next for them, Marianna said they plan to travel. A bus trip to New York City is already scheduled for early December, and they plan to visit with their daughter’s family in South Carolina for Christmas. They also hope to reschedule an Alaskan cruise that had to be postponed this past summer.

Marianna also shared that her goddaughter was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, and she plans to be there for her throughout her journey, sharing the wisdom and support they have received during his battle.

When asked what they would like others to know, Marianna said, “It’s okay to be afraid, to feel angry and to question your faith. These emotions are part of the journey. But in the end, you must summon your courage and keep moving forward — day by day, hour by hour.”