Denver Actors Fund and Northern Colorado theater community together hold, help and love Mark Lewis through catastrophic medical journey
About Mark Lewis: The Lewis family has been performing, set-building, set-painting and costuming local theater productions around Colorado since 2012. Together with his wife, Rachael, and son, Salem, Longmont actor Mark Lewis has made many friends in the theater community, especially at the Longmont Theatre Company, The Upstart Crow and around Northern Colorado. “We have enjoyed doing it together and, while usually not paid, it was time that our family spent together,” said Rachael. Mark enjoyed his largest and most challenging role just a few months before his medical emergency, playing Judge Turpin in The Arts Hub’s production of “Sweeney Todd.” The year before, he played Caldwell in the Arts Hub’s “Urinetown,” alongside Rachael and Salem.
Mark’s medical story: Mark had a major stroke on July 7, 2024, and was rushed by helicopter to the hospital, where he had two additional strokes. He has continued to struggle with aphasia and apraxia – that’s difficulty speaking and understanding speech. He has regained the majority of his mobility, but he has struggled with communication. “We have continued physical, occupational and speech therapy with the hope that, at some point, Mark might be able to get back on stage – even if it is with an assistive speech device,” Rachael said.
‘MARK COULD NOT HAVE HAD SUCH EXTENSIVE THERAPIES WITHOUT HELP FROM THE DENVER ACTORS FUND.’
A message from Mark and Rachael: “The Northern Colorado theater community and the Denver Actors Fund have really made this scary time manageable. They have been there to hold us, help us and love us through this journey.”
How you can help the Lewis family: Donations are being taken at gofundme.com.
How you can help us help us help more Colorado theater artists: If you would like to make a donation to help The Denver Actors Fund replenish, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80211. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks.
