Muggs McGinnis: Cancer Care & Comfort

MUGGS—The happy-go-lucky Irishman that everyone knows and loves needs support and prayers! 

My friend, Richard “Muggs” McGinnis, has cancer throughout his body. I would like to raise money to help with his care and final expenses. A background on Muggs’s battle has been written by his daughter, Meghan. Any donation is so appreciated. -Dan Riffel

Background:
My father was always active and in great shape living the life as an athlete, teacher, coach, and sports official. However, in 2005, this suddenly and shockingly changed. My dad was initially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. From that moment on, he has repeatedly faced many health obstacles through the following decade.

In 2016, Muggs was diagnosed with advanced heart failure. He underwent a major, life saving surgery in lieu of a heart transplant. He began his journey of living life with a LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device).  This amazing machine essentially takes control of the heart and keeps him alive. After spending several days on life support and many days in the ICU he was able to come home to begin his long road to recovery. Life with this device is not easy and requires lots of medical attention, medication, and support from others. However, it allowed my dad more time to do all of the things he loves like watching the Yankees, going down the shore, and fishing every chance he can get. 

In 2019, my father noticed a lump in his neck and was ultimately diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tongue and throat. Because of his LVAD, his treatment options were limited and he was only able to treat the cancer with radiation. He fought hard and responded so well to this therapy! After finishing his treatment, he was able to bang the gong to say so long to this cancer! It was such a blessing to again be given more time with my father so he could walk me down the aisle and meet his beautiful granddaughter in July 2020. 

Unfortunately, 2021 has brought my father an even more devastating diagnosis. In the last month, my dad’s health has been declining and his pain beginning to increase. After a two week stay in the hospital, a PET scan revealed that the cancer my father beat has returned to quickly and aggressively spread through his entire body. It has spread to his lungs, liver, lymph nodes, and bones throughout his body. With this diagnosis treatment is, unfortunately, no longer an option. After all my dad has been through, he would like to spend his remaining time at home, surrounded by his family and friends. 

My father began hospice care to as he likes to say “ride it out.” As helpful as hospice is, it simply does not provide the amount of care my dad needs and will need. Luckily, several of my dad’s friends and our family have stepped in to provide as much care as we can. But, we know this cannot be sustained long term. We need to hire the appropriate care he will need to allow him to remain safely and comfortably at home. 

The purpose of this fundraiser is to ensure my father receives quality medical and home care. It will be used to offset the many costs that are not covered by insurance or hospice services. Donations will be used to provide my father with medical supplies to make this part of his journey as safe and comfortable as we can. We plan to hire private care to provide additional nursing as needed, home health aides, overnight care, and medical supplies to make his daily living more manageable. 

My father is the most humble and generous person I know. For many of you reading this, you were likely touched by one of the many selfless ways Muggs has given of himself through the years. A true pillar to so many—a teacher, coach, mentor, tutor, umpire, referee, grandpa, father, friend...My dad’s generous spirit is at the heart of who he truly is. He has made sure to give regardless of his own circumstance, asking nothing in return. He has continued to do this time and time again even as he faced his own struggles through the years. If you know my dad, you know he is not one to ask for help. Even now. However, the time has come that our family truly needs it. Your support is appreciated tremendously and we thank you for from the bottom of our hearts. Please keep my father and our family in your prayers so we can continue to surround my dad, Muggs, with the love and strength that he deserves. With gratitude from our family to yours! -Meghan