My Merv Medical Fundraiser

Merv went in for a planned, routine surgical procedure on December 17th, 2019 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The colonectomy was necessary due to diverticulitis. Just five days later he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to a number of serious complications including a sepsis infection, abdominal pain, adhesions and intestinal leaking. He spent the next 36 days in the ICU confined to bed rest while undergoing 6 additional surgical procedures. Once he was stable, he moved to a regular room for another 26 days, spending a total of 62 days in the hospital. In the last three weeks of his stay, they began an intense physical therapy program helping him learn to walk again and gain his motor skills back. Due to the lack of mobility during his stay, he lost over 74 pounds! Merv was finally discharged on 02/16. We are so thankful that God has begun restoring his health! He still has a long road ahead of him in order to get back to a normal life including having the strength to return to work. Merv is self employed in the home appraisal business and DOES NOT HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE . He had prepared for the time off and cost for the first routine 5 day surgery. Given the unexpected course of events and inability to begin work he is now facing a significant financial burden and will be unable to work for another 30 days. His primary focus is to gain his full strength and mobility back. It is only by the Grace of God that we still have our much loved fiancé, father, son, brother, colleague and friend in our lives. If you are able to donate anything to help with the costs that have been incurred, we would be eternally grateful! Please keep Merv in your prayers for continued, expeditious and full healing. Thank you so much!! Laura Ganskow (fiancé) Michelle Grinder (daughter) Martha Norwood (mother) Melissa Norwood (sister) Nikki Heightchew (colleague)