GREAT MILLS, Md. — Great Mills Trading Post and the family of longtime employee and community member Mark Cullison are asking for the public’s help in finding a living kidney donor as he continues to battle end-stage renal failure.
Cullison, a lifelong resident of Great Mills and a well-known supporter of community projects throughout St. Mary’s County, was diagnosed with kidney disease in April 2023. His condition was further complicated by an allergic reaction to medical contrast dye during a biopsy. Over the past year, his disease has progressed rapidly, and he now undergoes dialysis three times a week for four hours at a time.
While dialysis helps sustain his kidney function, a transplant is his only long-term path to restored health. According to his family, a living kidney donor would offer the best chance for a longer, healthier life — one that would allow Cullison to continue spending time with his family, watching his five grandchildren grow, and remaining active in the community he’s called home his entire life.
Cullison’s blood type is O positive (O+). While type O donors are the most likely direct match, potential donors of any blood type may still be able to help through a paired kidney exchange program, which Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center both participate in.
“Our dad has always been dedicated to hard work, community service, and family,” the Cullison family shared. “He’s contributed so much through his work with Great Mills Trading Post and other projects that have supported residents across St. Mary’s County. The greatest gift anyone could give is time — time to see his son marry next April, and time to share more years with our mom, Dana, his wife of 42 years.”
Finding a suitable donor can be difficult and time-sensitive. More than 100,000 people in the United States are on the waiting list for a deceased-donor kidney, and the average wait time can exceed five years. Living donation, however, offers the opportunity for a faster, life-saving transplant and typically results in better long-term outcomes.
Great Mills Trading Post President and CFO Karen Siebert said the company is rallying behind Cullison as both a colleague and friend.
“A living donor could give Mark the incredible gift of restored health and many more years with his family and the work he loves,” Siebert said. “Finding a match often depends on spreading the word as widely as possible — and that’s where we need help.”
Community members interested in learning more about the living-donor process can:
- Call 410-614-9345 to speak directly with a Johns Hopkins transplant coordinator
- Or complete a donor candidate form online through Johns Hopkins Medicine – Living Donors: The Gift of Life.
Additional guidance is available through the Living Donor Handbook on the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.
The University of Maryland Medical Center also offers a wealth of information about kidney transplants. Individuals who may consider donating can learn if they are eligible to donate. Interested parties can also call 410-328-5408.
For ongoing updates and ways to help share Mark’s story, visit the family’s official Facebook page: Cullison’s Kidney Crusade.
All inquiries and applications are private and confidential. Potential donors may withdraw from the process at any time.
“Your compassion and support could truly help change — and save — a life,” Siebert said.
Great Mills Trading Post, Co. Inc. is located at 20171 Point Lookout Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634.
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