It's Who We Are
About Us
At the MARK Advocacy Group, we turn personal loss into lasting impact. Founded in memory of Mark Weaver, whose life was shaped by both health challenges and a generous spirit, our mission is to support individuals and families navigating chronic illness, addiction, and related hardships.
The name MARK—Memories Are Respectfully Kept—reflects our commitment to honoring Mark’s legacy through advocacy, education, and community support. We partner with local organizations and provide resources that empower people facing similar struggles.
Our work is driven by compassion, understanding, and a belief that even in the hardest moments, no one should have to face them alone.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to advocate for, educate, and support individuals and families facing chronic illness, addiction, and life’s toughest challenges. We envision a compassionate community where no one faces hardship alone and where everyone has access to the resources, support, and hope they need to heal and thrive.
Core Values
Compassion
We have walked in the shoes of the people we serve and will walk beside those with whom we work. We respond in service and support for each individual, each group, and our community as a whole.
Transparency
We will build trust through honest business practices and transparent communication.
Innovative
We constantly strive to become the standard of excellence in everything we do.
Honesty &
Integrity
We are committed to strong and lasting relationships by being truthful and authentic in all interactions. We always strive for mindful and consistent actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes.
Professionalism will always be put above any personal gain.
Ethics
THE STORY OF
Mark Alan Weaver
Mark Alan Weaver was born on October 17, 1972, facing serious health challenges from birth due to an autoimmune disease. Despite frequent infections and later severe arthritis requiring double hip replacements, Mark’s zest for life and kindness never wavered.
In his 30s, he became dependent on pain medication—a result of the era’s overprescribing practices. He and our family faced not just medical battles, but also stigma and neglect from the very system meant to help him. I’ll never forget the day he was left untreated in a hospital hallway until I intervened—by then, a severe infection had set in.
Through countless trials—including septic infections, near-death experiences, and even surviving necrotizing fasciitis—Mark never lost his strength or compassion. He often said, “Why not me? If it has to happen to someone, why not me?”
In 2015, after a final battle with infection, Mark passed away. But his spirit lives on. To honor him, my mother and I founded MARK (Memories Are Respectfully Kept)—an advocacy effort to fight for dignity, compassion, and change in healthcare.
Mark’s life was not defined by pain, but by resilience, purpose, and the legacy he left behind. Through MARK, we carry his voice forward.
— Marcy Rzepka
THE STORY OF
Marcy
Rzepka
Marchelle “Marcy” Rzepka, now 53, was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease in 2015. At the time, it was reversible—but grief took priority. She had just lost her younger brother, Mark Weaver.
Determined not to let illness define her, Marcy channeled her pain into purpose. She and her mother created MARK (Memories Are Respectfully Kept)—a group to honor Mark and empower others to advocate for their own healthcare.
Having been Mark’s advocate, Marcy knew how often the healthcare system overlooks patients who don’t fit the mold. After experiencing both poor and excellent care herself, she became passionate about helping others take control of their medical journeys.
She’s now pursuing a living kidney donor and works with a doctor who listens and collaborates. Through the MARK Advocacy Group, Marcy teaches that everyone deserves a care team that supports—not dictates—their health decisions.
Marcy’s mission is simple:
“Be your true, authentic self. Keep going. And know—you’re not alone.”
Our Board
Founder & Executive Director
Marcy Rzepka
Marcy Rzpeka, Founder of The MARK Advocacy Group, struggles with kidney disease and is currently on the transplant list. After watching her brother suffer and feel betrayed by the traditional healthcare system, Marcy wanted to help others through education, finding their voice, and building a community where others with chronic illnesses, their friends, family members, and caregivers have the support and resources they deserve.
Co-Chair
Dylan Smith
Consultant/Engineer/Designer with over 25 years of experience, Dylan joins The MARK Advocacy Group as a Board Member. He is passionate about creating human-centered experiences and finding new ways to make his designs impactful. Dylan has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University.
Co-Chair
Jayme Taylor
Jayme has always been committed to making a difference in the community and serves as a Board of Trustee for the Okemos Public Schools and also as a member of the Board of Directors for the Capital Area United Way. She is eager and honored to serve as the CO-Chair of The MARK Advocacy Group.
Board Secatary
Karen Mesko
Karen was a caregiver for her partner of 20 years before she passed away from cancer in 2017. She is familiar with the healthcare system and the frustration and stress people go through not only dealing with a debilitating disease but also managing their health and all that goes along with it.
Being a part of the MARK Advocacy Group is Karen’s way of giving her partner a voice for others who deal with their health issues every day.
Medical Professional Advisor, Board Member
Dr. Edin Basic, DO
A nephrologist in Lansing, Michigan, who is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Henry Ford Allegiance Health-Jackson, joins the board for The MARK Advocacy Group. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for over 20 years.
Board Member
Cameron Marie Needham
Board Member
Dave Hodges
Dave is currently the owner of Clear Ad Group, and has been involved in Advertising & Marketing for over 25 years. Dave is originally from Lansing and currently resides in Holt with his wife and daughter. When Marcy grows up, she dreams of being just like Dave!
Board Member
Katrina N. Hofstetter
Katrina is a virtual practicing attorney in the 517 community who specializes in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Administration, Business Formation, and Business Succession Planning.
Katrina is a member of the Lansing Regional and Grand Ledge Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Career Women, and serves as a board member for local area nonprofits T.W.I.G.S. and The Mark Advocacy Group. Katrina and her husband Ryan live in Lansing with their three boys and are active in leading the kids kingdom ministry at the Lansing Area Church of Christ.
Board Member
Marli Schnepp
Marli brings more than 32 years of leadership experience with Meijer, where she advanced to the role of Store Director and built a career centered on customer service.
She now helps individuals navigate their health solutions as a licensed Life and Health professional and Certified Long-Term Care Consultant, and is currently pursuing certification as a Registered Social Security Analyst.
