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Contact Us
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About Us
About The MARK Advocacy Group

We’re Here To Help

The MARK Advocacy Group is a non-profit organization that provides resources, information, education, and support to those with kidney disease, chronic illnesses, and the caretakers of those with the illness.


Better Care, Better Life

We strive to be the true, full source for a better understanding of your condition, educational assets, and a supportive community for you and your family’s healthcare journey.


Finding Your Voice

Our focus is on empowering you by providing the tools necessary to create a life of wellness with dignity and making sure that YOU control your healthcare decisions.

Our Values
MARK Advocacy Group Values
  • Compassion
    We have walked in the shoes of the people we serve and will walk beside those with whom we work. We respond in service and support for each individual, each group, and our community as a whole.
  • Transparency

    We will build trust through honest business practices and transparent communication.

  • Innovative
    We constantly strive to become the standard of excellence in everything we do.
  • Honesty & Integrity
    We are committed to strong and lasting relationships by being truthful and authentic in all interactions. We always strive for mindful and consistent actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes.
  • Ethics
    Professionalism will always be put above any personal gain.
MARK Advocacy Group Values
Our Mission
and Vision

Our Mission

To guide people who are lost in the healthcare system; where they don’t feel they are advocated for. Whether it be their own personal experience or that of a loved one.


Giving back options and resources to help them feel empowered.


To know that the end result should be fair and equitable regardless of age, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, or financial status.


Our Vision

To create an atmosphere where people can partner with their health care team and specialists so they feel they are the most integral element in their healthcare.
Board of Directors
United by a commitment to serve and advocate for the community, the Board Members of MARK Advocacy Group collaboratively drive initiatives to support and uplift those they serve.
  • Marcy Rzepka
    Founder & Executive Director
    Marcy Rzpeka, Founder of The MARK Advocacy Group, struggles with kidney disease and is currently on the transplant list. After watching her brother suffer and feel betrayed by the traditional healthcare system, Marcy wanted to help others through education, finding their voice, and building a community where others with chronic illnesses, their friends, family members, and caregivers have the support and resources they deserve.
  • Dylan Smith
    Co-Chair
    Consultant/Engineer/Designer with over 25 years of experience, Dylan joins The MARK Advocacy Group as a Board Member. He is passionate about creating human-centered experiences and finding new ways to make his designs impactful. Dylan has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University.
  • Jayme Taylor
    Co-Chair
    Jayme has always been committed to making a difference in the community and serves as a Board of Trustee for the Okemos Public Schools and also as a member of the Board of Directors for the Capital Area United Way. She is eager and honored to serve as the CO-Chair of The MARK Advocacy Group.
  • Karen Mesko
    Board Secretary

    Karen was a caregiver for her partner of 20 years before she passed away from cancer in 2017. She is familiar with the healthcare system and the frustration and stress people go through not only dealing with a debilitating disease but also managing their health and all that goes along with it.


    Being a part of the MARK Advocacy Group is Karen’s way of giving her partner a voice for others who deal with their health issues every day.
  • Dr. Edin Basic, DO
    Medical Professional Advisor, Board Member
    A nephrologist in Lansing, Michigan, who is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Henry Ford Allegiance Health-Jackson, joins the board for The MARK Advocacy Group. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for over 20 years.
  • Cameron Marie Needham
    Board Member
    Cameron Marie Needham is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of diverse experience spanning marketing, design, and technology. As a dedicated Board Member of the MARK Advocacy Group, she is committed to serving others and making a positive impact in her community. In her role as VP of Marketing Technology at M3 Group, Cameron leverages her extensive knowledge and expertise to drive innovative solutions and strategies. Her passion for excellence and her unwavering commitment to service define her professional journey and personal ethos.
  • Dave Hodges
    Board Member

    Dave is currently the owner of Clear Ad Group, and has been involved in Advertising & Marketing for over 25 years. Dave is originally from Lansing and currently resides in Holt with his wife and daughter. When Marcy grows up, she dreams of being just like Dave!

  • Katrina N. Hofstetter
    Board Member

    Katrina is a virtual practicing attorney in the 517 community who specializes in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Administration, Business Formation, and Business Succession Planning.


    Katrina is a member of the Lansing Regional and Grand Ledge Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Career Women, and serves as a board member for local area nonprofits T.W.I.G.S. and The Mark Advocacy Group. Katrina and her husband Ryan live in Lansing with their three boys and are active in leading the kids kingdom ministry at the Lansing Area Church of Christ.
Our Consultants
Our consultants' expertise helps us navigate complex challenges, ensuring we maintain our commitment to excellence and integrity.
  • Leslie Miles

    Health Consultant

    As the Founder and Nurse Practitioner of Wellness Re-invented, Leslie has dedicated herself to transforming the local community’s approach to health.

    Leslie’s mission is clear: to harness the power of IV Therapy to invigorate mind, body, and spirit. Through Wellness Re-Invented, she brings forth a new era of health- one that empowers individuals to rewrite their wellness journeys by revitalizing from the inside out.
  • Jill Marlin

    Jill Marlin

    Consultant

    Jill is the Founder and CEO of Peak Performance Physical Therapy, a company that has been revolutionizing the way that rehabilitation is delivered since 2011. Her passion for serving people shows through the quality of care that you can expect to receive at any one of her four clinics in the Greater Lansing Area. Jill also serves on several boards and governing bodies in the area supporting small businesses’ to grow and scale their organizations.

  • Michael Kowalczyk, D.O., F.A.C.O.I.

    Consultant, Internal Medicine

    Dr. Kowalczyk is a teacher and mentor to Internal Medicine Residents affiliated with McLaren Greater Lansing’s Graduate Medical Education Program. He is Past Chief of Staff and Past Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at McLaren Greater Lansing and is now a consultant for The MARK Advocacy Group.