What Really Happened To Mark Tatum's Face?

In 2000, Mr. Mark Tatum, also known as “the man without a face,” experienced a fungal infection that led to the loss of his eyes, upper jaw, and nose.

An unusual ailment known as mucormycosis is brought on by a fungus that can be found in dust, rotting food, bread, and dirt. Molds are frequently found indoors and can be dangerous, sickening, or even fatal.

Mark Tatum

Mark Tatum

What Really Happened To Mark Tatum’s Face?

In 2000, a fungal illness Mark Tatum had resulted in the loss of his eyes, upper jaw, and nose. Although this kind of illness is not unusual, Tatum’s damage was at an unparalleled degree.

Tatum’s ability to withstand the infection made him a medical marvel. Due of his unique experience, he received extensive media attention, including appearances on Maury Povich, Larry King, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

In order to save Mark Tatum’s life, surgeons had to amputate a significant piece of his face when a rare fungus called mucormycosis invaded his sinuses.

If they hadn’t removed his infected eyes, nose, cheekbones, upper jaw, and teeth, the fungus might have spread to his brain and killed him.

“At first, we didn’t think he would live. The future looked rather gloomy.” This was validated by University of Louisville Medical Center plastic surgeon Dr. Wayne K. Stadelmann.

He was a strong man who stood in solidarity with the thousands of others who had been affected by fungal contamination and had lost their homes, livelihoods, and health.

After two years and 11 procedures, Tatum had a new appearance. In a 2022 interview with CNN, the 45-year-old resident of Owensboro, Kentucky, said, “Look at me today.”

Zafrulla Khan, a prosthodontist at the University of Louisville, created it and said it was the most comprehensive prosthesis he had ever created or heard of.

At the Medco Center in Franklin, Kentucky, Mr. Tatum passed away on February 26, 2005, after undergoing all of these medical procedures and receiving support from online users.

Mark Tatum Is Referred To As The Man Without A Face

Mark Tatum was frequently referred to as “The Man Without A Face” because of the surgery that resulted in the loss of his eyes, upper jaw, and nose.

In order to save Mark Tatum’s life, physicians had to amputate a significant portion of his face in 2000 when a rare fungus illness called mucormycosis invaded his sinuses.

A family of moulds known as mucormycetes is the source of the serious but rare fungal disease known as mucormycosis. These moulds could be located anywhere.

People with health issues or those who use medications that lower the body’s ability to combat infections and disease are more likely to develop mucormycosis.

The sinuses or the lungs are typically affected after inhaling fungus spores from the air. It may also manifest themselves following a burn, cut, or other skin injury.

Nancy Tatum, Mark’s wife, believes that a steroid he was using for back pain may have damaged his immune system.

Tatum started using steroids two years ago after falling while working as a landscaper on the side. On February 7, 2000, Tatum was taken to the emergency room of the Owensboro Mercy Health System after exhibiting signs of confusion.

Following a biopsy, Dr. Khaled Joujia, a specialist in infectious diseases, determined that Tatum had mucormycosis. According to Nancy Tatum, Dr. Joujia claimed that he has previously worked with five people who had it.

The fungus quickly spread to Tatum’s lips, nose, and eyes, and it was now making its way to his brain.

After being diagnosed and given a life-or-death choice less than a week earlier, Tatum was taken urgently to the University of Louisville Hospital. He had two options: he could be kept comfortable until he passed away, or his eyes, nose, sinuses, and mouth roof could be surgically removed.

He decided on the latter.

Mark Tatum Died At The Age Of 48 From Mucormycosis

When Mark Tatum passed away at the age of 48, his wife Nancy and his family were devastated. After construction workers removed walls in Mark’s house that were contaminated with Stachybotrys chartarum, more commonly known as the black mould, Mark became ill with mucormycosis.

Zygomycetes, a type of mould that is widespread in the environment but can develop into opportunistic infections when conditions are right, are to blame for the unique sickness.

Tatum suffers from many strokes, has a significant amount of paralysis on his right side, and needs to take 15 pills daily.

A small percentage of the costs are barely covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and bill collectors frequently contact in search of tens of thousands of dollars.

Tatum states that his granddaughter Leah’s request for help in a dream and Nancy’s devotion both saved him when he was on the edge of passing away.

ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue8Snq56qpJa2r7nEp6tor5iWwW6%2BxJqjpbFdna6xvMSnnJ1lpKR6rq3RpGStmaSqurR5xZqanmc%3D