Stand With Mitch in His Fight for Health and Stability

We had been preparing for a transplant scheduled for March 16th, but we have recently received the difficult news that the potential donor is no longer able to proceed. While this is a heartbreaking setback, we are holding onto hope, because another remarkable individual has stepped forward and is now being evaluated as an alternate living donor. This selfless act of generosity may still give Mitch the chance he needs to survive, and we are deeply grateful.

The evaluation process requires the alternate donor to travel approximately 450 kilometers to the University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, for a thorough assessment that can take a week or more to complete. While no surgery date has been set yet, this testing phase creates its own set of real and immediate financial pressures.

This fundraiser exists to help cover the real-world costs that surround the donor evaluation, a future transplant, and ongoing recovery, including:

1. Travel, accommodation, parking, and meals for the alternate donor during their time in Toronto for testing, which can span a week or longer. These costs fall entirely on the donor and their family, and no one who is trying to save a life should have to pay out of pocket to do so.
2. Everyday expenses that come with extended hospital care, such as transportation to and from appointments, hospital parking, meals away from home, and basic necessities during prolonged stays and frequent visits. These practical costs are part of daily life during treatment and recovery and can quickly become overwhelming.
3. Subsidizing household expenses during this extended period, including mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and other essentials, as Mitch’s ability to work is currently limited. Disability benefits have been applied for multiple times and denied, leaving a significant gap in financial support during what is expected to be a recovery period of several months once a transplant does take place.

These funds are intended to ease financial pressure so that everyone involved can focus on the path forward, and on getting Mitch to the other side of this.

The alternate donor and their family are stepping up to potentially save Mitch’s life. They should not have to shoulder financial strain in order to do so. Supporting them through this evaluation process and beyond is a critical and non-negotiable part of making this transplant possible.

Mitch has a strong and caring community. Hundreds of people have already offered support, encouragement, and kindness during this difficult time. That collective compassion has made a profound difference, and we are leaning on it now more than ever.

If you are able to donate, every contribution, no matter the amount, helps provide stability, dignity, and peace of mind during this critical period. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser is an equally meaningful way to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read Mitch’s story and for continuing to be part of the hope that is helping carry him forward.

With heartfelt gratitude, Carolyn Mercer