R.W. Bro. Marvin Switzer Fundraiser
Marvin is currently at the Toronto General Hospital waiting for a heart transplant – he will remain there until one becomes available. Friends of the family have started a fundraiser for the family at www.youcaring.com/kateandmarvin to help them with the extra costs associated with travel back and forth to Toronto and food and lodging there, and their loss of income.
To support Kate and Marvin Switzer Fund, please copy below into your browser:
https://www.youcaring.com/kateswitzer-992711
The Story
Marvin Switzer, the very much loved husband of Kate, and the father and role model to Michael (Emma) and Jennifer (Graeme) has reached the point in his life where he needs a heart transplant. It has been a 17-year journey getting to this point, and living with a chronic genetic heart condition, with many hurdles along the way. His family is presently with him in Toronto at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, awaiting a suitable heart for transplant. Marvin will be maintained on medications to help prepare him to receive this new gift of life.
On Monday 23 October 2017, Jennifer posted this note about her dad on Facebook: “Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new journey for my family. One of the biggest role models in my life, my Dad, will be setting up camp at Toronto General Hospital. For the past 17 years of my life, my family and I have watched my dad live with a chronic genetic heart condition known as arythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). My dad was diagnosed shortly after finishing his 6th marathon run. My family has watched him deal with the daily battles that are caused with this disease including other co-morbid conditions that developed as a result.
“Regardless of the medical diagnoses, my father has continued to show strength and did the absolute best he could in order to provide for his children and wife. Countless times he has been struck down by infection, new diseases and the rarest of blood clots cutting of circulation to the entirety of his legs for over 6 hours. Still, he refuses to quit. But I hope with every inch of my body, that it will all change.
“Upon arrival at TGH tomorrow, my dad will be listed as a transplant candidate to receive a new heart. A solution it seems, to a man that deserves everything that life has to offer. The wait may be long, and the surgery upon arrival, will be harder, but an opportunity and risk my dad is willing to take.
“He is the most genuine, kind, empathetic and loving father, and I have had the privilege to call him mine for 21 years. No mountain is too tall for him to climb, and the determination and strength he has is remarkable. I love you so much Marvin Switzer, thank you. Thank you for showing me how to be determined, strong, fight for what I believe in, and most of all, for being one of my best friends. I know that our family will fight alongside you for every inch of this fight we have ahead of us. Nothing can break us.”
It is uncertain when Marvin might get a new heart. His family will incur unexpected financial costs traveling to and from Toronto, and staying there to be with him. This site has been set up to assist them in this most challenging time. Please let us all join together in prayer and contributions to generate support for Marvin and his family.
