Mark was one of the first patients in the Philadelphia VITAS program. Mark had been active in the Philadelphia AIDS community, organizing community awareness efforts and assisting with the care of many persons living with AIDS. Mark eventually moved in with his parents, who cared for him throughout the final stages of his illness.

During the filming of the movie Philadelphia, director Jonathan Demme wanted to capture some realistic footage of people battling the AIDS virus. Because of Mark’s contacts within the Philadelphia AIDS community, it was arranged for him to meet Demme. Demme asked Mark if he would play the part of a patient receiving treatment and Mark agreed. Mark appears in the opening scene of the movie.

As the movie went into editing phase, Mark’s opportunistic infections increased and his prognosis was poor. Mark’s VITAS nurse, Katherine, was determined that Mark have the opportunity to see Philadelphia before his death. Katherine’s daughter was an actress living in Southern California, and Katherine used all her daughter’s connections to accomplish this mission. Katherine was diligent and determined and finally got through to director Jonathan Demme.

Demme remembered Mark. He immediately phoned Mark and his parents and asked if he could fly to Philadelphia to present Mark with an official Hollywood commendation for his contributions, efforts and involvement with the AIDS community and his assistance with Philadelphia. Mark and his parents were delighted to have Demme in their home, and Mark was honored to receive the commendation from Demme.

When he returned to Hollywood and the editing of the movie, Demme arranged for Mark and his family to have a private screening of Philadelphia in their home. They invited their VITAS nurse, Katherine, who had made all this possible, to join them for the event. Mark was lucid and comfortable that day as he proudly watched the award-winning movie in his home—four months prior to its release. The next day Mark died.

Months later, while accepting his Golden Globe award for the movie Philadelphia, an emotional Tom Hanks thanked Mark for his courage in battling both the horrible disease and the social stigma attached to it.