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Introducing: The Markie Foundation

Baby boy's short life inspires local family to help others in need

DUBLIN, CA, September 24, 1999--Joe and Janis Wuelfing of Dublin, California, have established The Markie Foundation in honor of their four-month-old son, Mark Warren Wuelfing, who died in July from an undiagnosed neurological disorder.

The Markie Foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to help make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families. Through research, community involvement, and partnerships with other organizations, The Markie Foundation continually seeks unique opportunities to provide assistance for those in need.

Potential beneficiaries include, but are not limited to: individual families; other charitable organizations; family support programs; pediatric care; hospice services; and children's medical research.

Markie's Life
Mark Warren Wuelfing was born on February 21, 1999, to Janis and Joe Wuelfing of Dublin. Five weeks later, "Markie" was admitted to Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Hayward, with severe myoclonus, continuous seizures, and an abnormal electroencephologram (EEG).

Despite many tests and consultations throughout the San Francisco Bay area, doctors could not diagnose the underlying cause. The disorder prompted severe neurological, development, and respiratory problems for Markie. He died on July 2, 1999 at his home in Dublin.

"During his short time on earth, Markie had a positive impact on many people, who offered unconditional love and support as we cared for our sick baby," said Janis Wuelfing, Markie's mother and co-founder of The Markie Foundation. "The Markie Foundation hopes to spread the goodness we received to others in need, and extend the spirit of our innocent child."

About The Markie Foundation
The Markie Foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to help make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families. Potential beneficiaries include, but are not limited to, individual families, charitable organizations, family support programs, pediatric care, hospice services, and children's medical research. The Markie Foundation was established to honor four-month-old Mark Warren Wuelfing, who died on July 2, 1999, from an undiagnosed neurological disorder. The Markie Foundation is located at 7646 Gardella Drive, Dublin, California 94568. For more information or to request a grant, contact us at (925) 829-4921. Or visit our Web site at www.markiefoundation.org.

Contact:
Joe Wuelfing, Managing Director/Co-Founder
The Markie Foundation
(925) 829-4921
joe@markiefoundation.org

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