Exchange Club honors Colville optometrist
Mark Rainer had a good life. His family and thriving optometric practice in Colville kept him busy. He enjoyed the outdoors and running Bloomsday. Then, one night in 1986, he had a stroke while sleeping. He was 35 and began to lose everything that mattered to him.
Fellow optometrists rallied to keep his practice open, but the effects of the stroke made it impossible for Rainer to keep his license. Despite months of rehabilitation he was left with short-term memory loss, a limp and slurred speech. He lost his marriage and his practice, but he didn’t lose his determination to live a good life and to help others do the same.
On May 9, Rainer received the North Spokane Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award. The award recognizes individuals whose volunteer efforts may go unnoticed and is intended to motivate others to volunteer.
Sixteen years ago at the urging of longtime friend Dr. Walt Michaelis, Rainer began to volunteer at the free eye clinic run by the Union Gospel Mission.
“Mark jumped at the chance to use his knowledge and skills,” Michaelis recalled.
Most of the medical staff volunteers once a month. Rainer makes the drive from Colville every week. Along with other eye-care professionals, he sees as many as 10 patients a day, dispensing donated glasses. The Mission eye clinic serves the homeless and indigent population of Spokane. It lets Rainer use his professional skills and feel productive again. “I regained part of my life,” Rainer said.
Greg Barclay, volunteer coordinator said, “Mark is warm and friendly. You can tell he loves to be able to help our clients.”
Three years ago, Rainer was diagnosed with a condition related to Parkinson’s disease. Even though the tremors caused by his condition made it difficult for him to speak or eat, he continued to volunteer at the Mission.
He decided to have brain surgery to correct the problem. The surgery was successful, and after speech therapy, he regained his quality of life.
Happily remarried since 1991, Rainer credited his wife, Colleen, as a “great support” to him.
“It is really moving to see what he has done with his life after some serious setbacks,” noted Bob Anderson of the Exchange Club.
“Volunteering gives me a chance to help people who really need it,” Rainer said. “There have been no negative days here at the Mission.”
In the face of all he’s endured, Mark Rainer has made a good life. He encourages others to do the same by volunteering. “Any amount of time would help. Help is always needed,” he said.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at the Union Gospel Mission call 535-8510.