UPDATE: The Living Donor Team have advised us that the potential donor for Mar 16th is no longer able to proceed. Given this new information, they will proceed with evaluating an alternate donor that has stepped forward – which is good news.
Mitch has limited capacity to work and is frequently hospitalized for extended periods of time. His days are dominated by medical care, monitoring complications, and managing the physical effects of liver failure. The uncertainty and strain of this illness have reshaped every part of daily life.
We are deeply grateful that Mitch has a living liver donor. This remarkable act of generosity is giving him a chance to survive. The transplant surgery is scheduled for February 23, 2026 March 16, 2026 (new date) and will take place at Toronto General Hospital, part of University Health Network in Toronto. While this date brings hope, it also creates urgent financial challenges, as Mitch’s ability to work is currently limited and his income is significantly reduced.
The donor will be traveling approximately 700 kilometers to Toronto for the surgery and will be required to have a dedicated companion present for a minimum of seven days to assist with recovery. This support person must stay nearby, creating unavoidable costs for accommodation, meals, and daily living while the donor heals.
This fundraiser exists to help cover the real-world costs that surround a transplant and recovery, including:
- Travel, accommodation, parking, and meals for the donor’s required support person, who must remain close to the hospital to care for and assist the donor following surgery until they are safely discharged. While an initial stay of seven days is expected, this period may be longer depending on recovery needs.
- 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.
- Subsidizing household expenses during recovery, 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 an expected recovery period of several months.
These funds are intended to ease financial pressure so that everyone involved can focus on healing, care, and getting through this difficult chapter together.
Mitch’s donor and their family are saving his life. They should not have to shoulder financial strain or pay out of pocket in order to do so. Ensuring proper support for the donor is a critical and non negotiable part of this process.
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.
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 being part of the hope that is helping carry him toward recovery.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Carolyn Mercer
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