Mark wholeheartedly believes in helping children manage difficult emotional and mental situations – and in not allowing a challenging condition to define that young person.
He proudly spoke of his great, great nephew, describing his athleticism and newfound love for basketball, during which he “even enjoys playing defense, not just shooting.”
And Mark, 68, is struck by the unique ability Devin has for connecting with older generations.
“We’ve got a woman who is 87 and lives in a nearby senior home … somehow they got to talking and meeting, and they are great friends. He talks to her on the phone now and then, [and] every spring she uses her walker to come over the bridge to our house looking for Devin,” Mark said. “When he sees her, he runs out the door. He brings her brownies or cookies, they talk, and he walks her back to her place. Another woman who’s in her early 70s, and he’s become great friends with her. They do Christmas cookies together, and he likes to frost them. He likes to go over and just talk to her. They have great conversations, and she just loves his company.
“My mom is 93, so he watches out for her when she’s here, too. He has a real compassion and connection with older people,” Mark added. “Sometimes I’m just amazed at who he is and what he’s doing and how he’s helping out.”
Mark emphasized the impact Thielen Foundation is making alongside the children’s hospital.
“You don’t know which kids you’re going to reach, which ones you won’t – but if you don’t try, you know you’re going to get a negative result,” he said. “You hope they’ll pay it forward. It’s really important work that they’re doing, and I’m extremely grateful that Devin has this opportunity.”
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