The Whittakers-Spring 2022 

Familial update: Fascinating story and I am so impressed with Mark’s sincerity and gentle nature with them. As an amateur genealogist I was intrigued about their lineage, so I dove in. For anyone else also curious, it seems that the parents of this clan were indeed first cousins, but to complicate it further, and something I have yet to run across elsewhere in 25 years of research, they were first cousins born to IDENTICAL TWINS. Twin boys, one had a girl and one had a boy and those kiddos made this family. The parents were father John E Whittaker born to one twin brother and Gracie I Whittaker born to the other twin brother. Originating in Virginia, they moved a short distance over some years to reach nearby Odd, WVA. I pray they continue to thrive with the assistance of caring folk. And before you say “thrive?” …it’s all relative. Clearly.

I feel like if Ray was more verbal he would be telling everybody's business 😂. He's always so eager and excited to show Mark around and you can tell he understands every question. So sweet!

When he asked Kenneth “what’s your favorite memory as a kid?” And Kenneth said, “Ray” without a second of hesitation. That warmed my whole heart.

You could tell Ray not only remembers you but is thankful for what he was given seeing as he wanted to show you everything. Please protect this family at all costs.

When Ray opened the freezer and pointed and said CHICKEN!!! I had to rewind it a few times and hear him say it again…. 🥹 so sweet! Definitely pulled on my heart strings!!! ❤ May God bless them and keep them safe and as healthy & happy as can be. 🙏🏼

The fact that they used the money Mark gave them to improve their house, really made me emotional. They're good people born into bad circumstances

Ray showing off his new mattress and making the snoring noise made me smile

It's interesting that I find more humanity in this family than I do in my every day life. These people are inspiring.

These videos humanize them. It’s impressive how they are able to communicate and the progress made in their way of life. Kudos to you for taking care.

Ray is so full of gratitude. He doesn't miss anything. Pointing to all the renovations and improvements, the full fridge, the bed and boxspring, the T.V., the heater in the bathroom, the shed of wood, the improvement in his legs, the scratch on the car. What a character. Inspiring.

Our 24 yo son has Down Syndrome and autism. He and many of his friends are very limited with their speech abilities. Thank you for helping these “kids” since their parents have died. We live in fear of what will happen to our kids when we die. It’s nice to know good people are out there.

Not only did you help improve their living situation, you've improved their outlook on life. They all look so happy to see you and are very welcoming. It's clear that they've all become much happier given the circumstances and that's what matters the most! Thank you for the updates!

It's so precious how Ray is pointing out everything that has changed. His bed, his bed springs, the TV, the washer, the dryer...all simple everyday objects to most, but Ray is so grateful to have them.

When Ray showed his new mattress off and doing an impression of him sleeping and snoring I just smiled so much. Bless his heart. ♥

no one in this world could done a better job talking with these people this man was so kind and gentle u could tell he really cared for them

no one talking about Ray on the bicycle?! That is the cutest most endearing thing I have ever seen

Betty chooses to sleep on the sofa while she makes sure that everyone else has a bed, and she doesn't complain. That speaks volumes about the kind of person she is. ❤

Mark literally touched a whole family. For all the people he tries to help and it doesn't work out, for whatever reason, this is a perfect example to never give up. Shout out to all the people who sent in donations as well. Inspiring.

Ray giving the tour 😭 He has such a happy heart

America should help their own people instead of starting wars all around the world

Ray may not be verbal, but he stays blasting his family’s business 😂 pointing at the truck and showing where they hit the deer. I love ray 😊

I love how Ray lights up when you interact with him. He deserves to feel seen and loved!

Ray is an absolute legend I love him... There's something about him I really like. He's always happy and eager and so innocent.

Story of Kenneth: we saw him first time when the family was in Walmart. He then stated that he never visited the rest of his family. Then suddenly, we see him in this video moved in with the family. I bet that he got to know about the money that came along with Mark and wanted a cut of it. You can hear him say straight away and repetadly that he had run out of money fixing the house. He says that a lot in this video. I really hope he stays with the family and helps them even when the money stops coming in and the curioustiy for the family slows down. There is no doubt in my mind he came back to the family because of the «fame» and money.

The other people that Mark gives money to, like that girl with a tattoo on her face, squandered it. The Whittakers are the only one ones I've seen actually spend the money on necessities. Mark's taken them to Walmart where he told them they could buy ANYTHING they wanted. They chose food, dog food, clothes, and a microwave. Mark gave them money and they fixed their home up. New roof which I'm sure was desperately needed, new siding on the house, new flooring, new stove, a new mattress and box spring for Ray, a chair, a heater in the living room and one in the bathroom, a fridge full of food, a truck, and other home improvements. They only take what they need, never spending money on frivolous things. I think that's why us subscribers enjoy these videos so much. They have very little material things, but instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they are genuinely happy. They are pure of heart.

Clean clothes, clean bodies, new housing, and transportation. So happy to see them thriving!

I darn near cried, smiled, and laughed. What a wonderful family. I'm thankful there is still good hearted kind people like yourself helping these folks out.

Ray needs his own show, he definitely has that charisma God bless this family

I absolutely love how proud Ray is of everything. His bed , the food in the fridge just all of it. Seeing the new things in their home and on their home makes me happy.

You can tell Ray is feeling better... I swear I heard him say "chicken" when they was looking in the freezer. Then when he pointed at his bed and made a snoring sound lol and he made that happy squeal when Mark asked if he was happy. Glad to see them doing good!

Ray be telling all the business forreal!😂 He shows everything! I just love how good they are doing❤

Ray seems like a really optimistic and positive guy, despite his lack of words. I hope they have a peaceful life.

I've never seen them so active, actually, the entire family standing. They appear much happier and alert. Thanks, Mark. Btw, I enjoyed seeing you being interviewed on No Jumper!

If they ever do a remodel of their house, my husband (who is an Electrician) has offered to wire their house for free and pay for materials. Would be honored to make the 5 hour drive ❤️

When you just asked is ray happy, and the sound he made warmed my heart man.. such precious people that deserve nothing but love and happiness.

You can tell how close of a family they are when they all choose to live right next to each other. Ray seems like a sweetheart showing you all the new thing he is grateful for. Interesting how he faces such obstacles to communicating yet also seemed the most engaging imo. Another thing that stuck out to me was how well cared for their dogs were despite not having a lot themselves. Gotta appreciate fellow dog lovers.❤

That’s the first time I have seen Ray fully communicate a response, he showed his bed, how it was made, said it was his and showed us him snoring. Brilliant

As a speech-language pathologist, I would love to see Ray get linked up with an SLP to help him realize his full potential! He has so much to say!

I absolutely adore Ray. I find myself smiling along with him. Bless your heart for not exploiting this family and for everyone who has donated to improving their quality of life. They didn't choose this life and deserve to enjoy it.

Sad, scary, interesting and fascinating. They may be perceived by the outside world as the 'lowest of the low', yet look how happy, healthy, kind and caring they are! Absolutely beautiful. We can learn a lot from them. God bless them and bless Mark for helping them and showing us who they really are❤.

Ray is very capable of communicating in his own way. The fallen tree, the damage to the truck, how comfy his bed is. It’s amazing what he can say without words.

You can tell that Ray really likes Mark. He always tries to give him an update. Ray probably can't talk but he knows everything thats going on around there. 😄

Just watched the first video from 3 years ago. They all look so much healthier now! Amazing transition and so happy to see the help they are receiving from their exposure from this channel. 🎉

What you have done for this family is a blessing

I think the Whittaker’s have adopted Mark and made him family. It’s so cool to see them happy and healthy ❤️❤️

What I noticed above the home improvements was the medical care they seemed to be receiving now. They mentioned the Dr. several times and Rays knee seems a bit better. Having transportation to the grocery store shows they’ve been getting better nutrition and new clothes. They look a lot healthier. So happy for them.

I just adore Ray, he knows exactly what you’re saying and communicates so well for his circumstances. I’m proud of them ❤

This made my heart so warm❤ I smiled the whole video. Thank you for helping them out. The fact that they chose to do all these improvements with the money you gave them says a lot. God bless them ❤

I love how respectful Mark’s style is - I don’t ever see him being condescending or telling them how to live their lives. He simply lets them tell their story and allows others to donate/contribute how they are moved to give. People don’t always live the prettiest lives, but we can listen to them and care for them nonetheless.

RAY!! My face literally LIT up when I saw him! He’s definitely the celebrity of the family lol☺️ God please look after this family 🙏🏾

Ray is my favorite. If he was higher on the spectrum and verbal he'd be the friendliest and have the most to say.

I absolutely love that you’re not there simply to gawk but to help. You and your team treat them with such kindness, dignity and respect. They are people, not sideshows. Much love to you and yours!! Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄 ❤

Ray is actually really smart. He’s just non-verbal but he understands everything.

When Kenneth was asked his favourite memory as a kid and then points to Ray, my heart melted. They have a very close bond!

Growing up in rural Alabama, I knew of families similar to these people. They weren’t seen often but their “existence” was known about. And locally, it expounded across racial boundaries as well. Most of these folk are extremely welcoming and receptive to outsiders though and happy to have company. Keep up the Lords work Mark.

Just love watching this family 😊 Mark, you have such a way with the Whittakers. You are just so personable, and so we all should be! It really makes these videos so intriguing. Thank you for loving the Whittakers! Think you definitely set a trend, my friend. I love them too. ❤ 🙏

is anyone going to mention that even with this condition, these people can take good care of the dogs...love that !

The fact they use the money for food and improving rheir life and not gambling, drinking or drugs is terrific and I hope people continue to support them. It's not their fault their parents had this mentality.

This is an awesome thing you're doing Mark. You and your viewers are helping these ppl out tremendously.

Timmy's so proud of his space. I feel so bad for these people. God Bless for helping them w their needs. Food, health and shelter. Such great people you guys are

Betty is an amazing woman. She promised her mama that she'd stay back to care for the others, giving up her own chance at love, marriage and children. God Bless her! BETTY NEEDS A REAL BED!!

This family looks so much happier and healthier than the last time we saw them. Thanks for continuing to bring happiness and comfort to these folks.

I just heard about this family today. I immediately became interested in them. May God continue to bless them and Mark too for being so kind and generous to them. I love Ray such a sweet man.

Love what this man does for the less fortunate love the channel- love from Ireland 🇮🇪

I don't think he was asking for money, I think he was explaining why it wasn't finished. He made it clear that he hadn't used any of the gifted money to pay for it, he paid for it himself through working. He's proud of his clean home and although he's close enough to help he has his own space. Good for him

$30,000? Wow. People are amazing. I’m so glad our donations went to this family. Couldn’t have picked a better family to bless. Thank you Mark.

I love these people so much. Would be wonderful if other people in the world were so kind. Thanks for your coverage of them Mark.❤

Ray has been told to keep quiet about the first room he shows with all the trash. He knows something. Lol. When he opens the freezer door and point, he clearly says “chicken”. I’m so thankful for the 8 years I spent working with MHMR individuals. They’re the real deal. Bestest friends you’ll ever have.

“I ain’t like the rest of them people“ Kenneth takes pride in being clean and taking care of his stuff. This video had me smiling so hard, Mark has really upgraded their life.

Ray is DEFINITELY the star of the show , out here living his best life no matter what 😂❤

Ray is my favorite Whittaker. He is so observant and full of life. He has a big heart and a beautiful soul. One day he will have no disabilities in heaven. I will meet him there. You can plainly see the care and love that this family has for each other. God bless S W U for all the support that has been shown to the Whittaker family.

I said help them in your last video of them, and I come to this video to find out you did. Thank you. To see how much better they’re doing compared to the last video, brings me to tears. I would love to meet these people.

at 12:30 Ray points into the freezer and says "Chicken!" He's made sure to show Mark every single improvement Ray thinks is important on the property including the siding, his bedding WITH a box spring, even the alarm clock. He wants to make sure Mark's seen everything they've done. So incredible.

One thing I've noticed throughout these videos is how happy and well loved the dogs appear to be. This family has their struggles and still takes good care of their pets. There are people with all the money and opportunity in the world who can't manage that. Says a lot about the character of this sweet family.

You have truly changed this unique, kind families life! God bless the whittakers!! ❤

Ray has to definitely be my favorite of them all. Mannnnn, if he could talk, he’d tell all the families business and the town gossip. Good ole town folk. Bless them all❤

Ray is a great example that being non-verbal doesn't mean you're stupid. He's clearly a very intelligent man, he just doesn't express himself the same way most people do. He understands everything being said to him. These people seem really lovely - I'm glad they have so many others willing to protect them, because I can imagine there are tons of jerks out there who would mock them or take advantage of their kindness. These guys deserve to live safe, happy lives, just like everyone else.

It's so sweet how Ray gets so excited and wants to show Mark things. Mark has been a blessing for this family. You can certainly tell they love animals!

Normally people would frown upon an inbred family but these guys are always so happy an upbeat even with the hand they have been dealt and they don’t bother anyone they are lovely people ❤

They're so gentle. It's beautiful. They didn't ask to be here. I hope they are alright STILL, today. 😇

I have such a soft spot in my heart for Ray. He reminds me of an innocent child. No anger or malice, just happy to be alive and enjoy other’s company ❤️

The Whittaker's have blossomed. Their whole demeanor has changed. Smiles are genuine and filled with hope. Mark, I watched some videos of how you decided on a career change and your personal evloution. You changed your life and the dominos began to fall. The inspiration and optimism has flowed to many of your viewers and certainly to the Whittaker's. I would be willing to bet not only have their lives been enriched, but almost certainly extended as well. Kudos to you Mark. Your humble, non-judgmental style makes it easy for this merry band of misfits to not just survive but thrive. If our goal in life was to enrich one life along our journey the world would be a far kinder place. Changing the world one Whittaker at a time. Mad respect!

One of the best video series on youtube, period. Real shit

The video and especially the comments section are heartwarming. So nice knowing people are a lot more compassionate than we think they will be. Loverly ☮️

Ray is SO EXCITED to see you! He's got a child like innocence. There's such a big difference now compared to the 1st cpl videos. You've given them a better life... may all be blessed!

Clearly he has EARNED their trust & that in itself says volumes!

This was such a blessing to see people help them out. Precious

This video brings happy tears to my eyes. It’s a shame they isn’t more kind hearted souls in the world. Most people would judge this family in this situation through no fault of their own. As a former support worker to learning disabilities I emphasise for this family with their difficulties. I’ve worked with individuals who have very little communication skills all of their life and it’s unbelievable how many people think they lack emotional intelligence. The comment section is stunning, the community coming together and been supportive and understanding. The world needs more of that. Ray brings a huge smile to my face 😊

Love that Ray very clearly said “chicken !” when he pointed into the freezer. He could begin saying a few words if enough patience was put into teaching him, I’m sure. Keep well and safe, Whittaker’s. 💜

I love these people. With all of their afflictions, when they were given money they went out and bought absolute necessities that better their lives. Smarter than a large portion of America.

I am so grateful you keep going back and checking up on them xo I absolutely love what you do!

I’d love to see big building companies and home designers come together to do up the house for the Whittakers. Instead of giving them the money just do the whole house up for them 🙏🏽

This is probably the best life Ray could have. He is loved, cared for, free and he lives in a beautiful environment.

Mark caught some grief for doing this series, but the end results speak volumes. Well done.

Mark, I'm so sorry for the crap you have gone through for just being a kind person and helping people. This is crazy Thank you for helping people. may God bless you

I love how Kenneth was very patient and supportive of Ray. ❤❤❤

What a big difference from them hiding in the beginning, to talking over one another to tell you the exciting things they have done with your generosity! You truly have made a difference in their lives. This is a prime example of making the best out of a situation! I love this update!!

Ray is the most talkative none verbal person and I love it! He is very happy and telling on everything.

A very respectful interviewer. Despite them having their fair share of adversity and troubles,they seem very contented with their life. Lovely wee tiny homes and at least they have each other ❤

Thank you Mark for being a wonderful human being. Thank you for caring about the Whittaker family, they clearly look so happy when they see you, you and the go fund me really helped them fixing up their house. Ray is a sweetheart and loves to point and show you everything, it’s such a shame he can’t speak, he’s such a character. Betty does a great job in taking care of everyone, my god that can’t be easy. Last but not least, thank you for sharing their story.