UPDATE: Following the March 10 announcement that 5X will follow Governor DeWine’s recommendations and those from state health authorities, the two scheduled appearances and book signings by author and speaker Mark McDonough, M.D. at 5X at Ashtabula for Wednesday, March 18, 2020 have been canceled.
The event is not currently being rescheduled. However, copies of his book “Forged Through Fire” are available through the Kent State Ashtabula Barnes & Noble College Store.
Mark McDonough, M.D., PT, will share his story of resiliency, survival and persistence and sign copies of his new book Forged Through Fire at a pair of events Wednesday, March 18th at 5X at Ashtabula.
“Dr. Mark” will speak to students at noon in Robert S. Morrison Hall’s Huggins Lecture Hall (H109) before hosting a free public program and book signing at 6 p.m. in the Main Hall Auditorium. There is no charge for attendance, and copies of Forged Through Fire will be available for purchase following each event from the Kent State Ashtabula Barnes & Noble Campus Store.
Stricken as a child with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, McDonough endured prolonged and painful therapy to a full recovery only to experience more pain and suffering when a catastrophic house fire claimed the lives of his mother and youngest brother as a teen, leaving him with burns on over 60 percent of his body.
The reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation motivated him to first become a physical therapist, where his work with burn, disease and trauma patients inspired him to become a reconstructive surgeon. Additionally, McDonough battled through other adversities in life, including addiction and a stroke. Now, along with his work as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Orlando, Fla., McDonough travels the country to share his story to bring hope and healing to those dealing with physical and emotional pain.
“We are extremely grateful to have Dr. McDonough on campus to share his story,” said associate lecturer Daryl Upole. “It is a courageous act to recount your life, including all the struggles, to help others. I’m so thankful that Mark has agreed to share those experiences with us here in Ashtabula.”
McDonough was born and raised in Cleveland and received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Forged Through Fire is available for purchase at most book retailers, including the Kent State Ashtabula Barnes & Noble College Store, and carries an endorsement from John R. Cross, author of The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus: “Forged Through Fire is the raw and unvarnished story of a man searching for meaning and answers in the midst of great trials. Most of us will never suffer pain to the degree that Mark suffered, so here is a chance for us to learn empathy. It is a lesson from which we all can profit.”
###