At the age of 31 Mark Harris succumbed to brain cancer. Mark was loved by many, he was a beloved brother, son and uncle. He was a trusted friend to scores of lucky people who had the privilege of growing up and spending time with him. He grew up in Massapequa, a town of 40,000 on the Great South Bay of Long Island.  From this grief and love came a desire to do more, to reach out and help those impacted by brain cancer - one step at a time. Mark's younger brother Brian, with the help of the Harris family and many friends, founded the Mark R. Harris Foundation in the winter of 2001.


The Goals of the Foundation:
  • To contribute funds, support and time to coping with and fighting brain cancer in the New York/ Long Island area.

  • To bring smiles to the face of children that are affected with brain cancer.

  • To keep Mark's loving, caring spirit alive.
a









Since 2001 the  Harris family and friends have devoted their efforts to fund raising in Mark's honor with the hope of making a difference for someone suffering from this horrible disease.  With the generosity and kindness of friends we have raised to date north of $250,000.  The funds we have raised have always been used with the goal of making a difference and putting a smile on the face of young children who are faced with the battle against cancer.

aSince 2002, with the support of family, friends and community,  the Mark R. Harris Foundation has been the sole sponsor for "Kids Sail" @ The South Street Seaport in Manhattan on behalf of the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. Over one hundred children and their families take part in a glorious boat trip around Manhattan.  The children enjoy face painting, playing with clowns, dancing, breakfast, lunch and an overall beautiful day on the water.
Since 2002, with the support of family, friends and community, the Mark R. Harris Foundation has presented two graduating scholar athletes from Massapequa High School with the Mark R. Harris Memorial Scholarship.  There are also several times throughout the year that we have the opportunity to help out children and their families with medical bills and necessities that they may have had to go without.
 
aWe are certain Mark would be delighted with the difference that we have made in so many children's lives. Your support has helped keep Mark's memory and giving nature alive. Through our Information Blog (Mark would have loved blogs) we keep you posted on our latest happenings regarding our efforts of putting a smile on a child's face and to ease the stress and pain that are put on a family during the battle against this terrible disease.

If you already support us in any way, thank you. Your contributions are truly appreciated. If you are just learning about the Foundation, we hope you consider us as part of your charitable contribution program. All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information on how you can help, please contact us. - The Mark R. Harris Foundation - 516-647-1937
ribbon