My name is Carolyn Mercer, and I am reaching out to you with a heart full of hope and urgency. I am the mother of Mitch Proulx’s son, who is the light of both our lives. Mitch is an incredible father, but right now, he is fighting a serious health battle, and we are in desperate need of help. Mitch urgently requires a liver transplant.

Since our son was born, I have watched Mitch transform—he pours everything into being the best father he can be, creating memories and sharing beautiful moments. But lately, our time together has been overshadowed by his declining health. Mitch spends 3-5 days a week in the hospital, enduring 2-3 blood transfusions weekly due to pancytopenia, a condition causing dangerously low red and white blood cells and low platelets.

Mitch is also battling liver failure, which has caused severe ascites, leading to painful fluid buildup in his abdomen. He requires 2 weekly drainages averaging 8 liters of fluid drained each time, and he is at high risk of septic infections. His kidneys are nearing end-stage failure, further complicating his condition and making it nearly impossible for his body to process toxins effectively. This causes intense nausea, confusion, and dizziness, along with ammonia buildup, which has led to hepatic encephalopathy—a condition impacting his nervous system.

On top of these severe complications, Mitch lives with constant, debilitating pain, gastric bleeding (known as “Watermelon Stomach”), and overwhelming exhaustion. Each day is a struggle, and it breaks my heart to see how our time together could be cut short unless he receives the liver transplant he so urgently needs.

Unfortunately, because Mitch’s MELD score doesn’t prioritize him for an immediate transplant, we have turned to the hope of finding a living donor. This would give Mitch a chance to be here for our son, to share in his milestones, and to continue being the father he wants to be.

Mitch’s liver specialist has advised us to seek a living donor, someone who would be willing to undergo a surgery to donate a portion of their liver. The liver is a unique organ that fully regenerates within 4-6 weeks, and the surgery carries minimal risk to the donor. Most donors feel well enough to walk the day after surgery and can return to work within weeks.

So far, two people have come forward, but due to incompatibilities with blood type or other factors, they were unable to donate. That’s why I am asking, with all my heart, for you to consider the possibility of being a living donor for Mitch. This decision could save his life and give our son the chance to grow up with his father by his side—to be there for his first day of school, his first sports game, and so many cherished moments.

I understand how big a decision this is, and we respect the weight of such a choice. But if you feel moved to learn more or have any questions, please reach out to us. Even your consideration alone means the world to us—it gives us hope and reminds us that kindness and compassion are still so alive in this world.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and for keeping Mitch and our family in your thoughts. Your support and kindness mean everything to us during this difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Carolyn Mercer