Helping Marlon McIntyre carry the ball forward

March 24, 2026

Greetings! My name is Dan Wassilchalk and, along with my good friend Bill Contz, I am drawing your attention to a serious matter that deserves our attention. Thank you to my wife, Maria, who helped me create this webpage in order to launch this fundraising effort. Maria, Bill and I are not connected to this account which will collect donations, and as creator of the webpage, Maria does not gain any benefit from transactions associated with this webpage.

Marlon McIntyre has been a heart-filled friend, devoted teammate, tireless worker, trusted neighbor, and deeply faith-driven individual who has touched our lives in multiple ways. It is my hope that this message reaches far and wide to touch as many people as possible who benefited from knowing Marlon as Bill and I do. Marlon needs our help -- financially, spiritually, and lovingly. Here’s why.

History: purpose for request

Marlon enjoyed the thrill and excitement of playing sports that also provided wonderful reward in the form of physical fitness. Marlon worked hard to combine mind, body, and spirit that served him well through scholastic sports, college, and professional levels. It was that same work ethic that Marlon produced in his occupation throughout his career. Most recently, Marlon managed his own home renovation business in Richmond VA, whereby Marlon repaired homes for homeless military veterans while his business partner sought benefits for occupants who were able to enter these homes.

Sadly, Marlon was involved in an accident while unloading pallets off the back of a work truck during a job assignment. Marlon fell and suffered damage to his left hip which required a joint replacement. Marlon’s employer refused to cover the injury’s expenses and attributed his injury to previous sports injuries which included concussions, meniscus repair and shoulder surgery. Marlon’s application for disability benefits was therefore denied. Marlon continues to receive medication for his concussions while suffering from severe arthritis today, especially in his lower body.

Following hip replacement surgery, Marlon experienced an infection in the same joint which required several weeks of antibiotics and minimal activity. Afterwards, Marlon returned to surgery on January 8, 2026 for a revision of the same joint replacement. Marlon is now completing a rigorous treatment plan for rehabilitation to return his levels of strength and mobility that will be suitable for his activities of daily living. His plan for returning to work will need to be modified according to his capabilities.

By the numbers: setting a goal

I’ve assessed Marlon’s budget in granular detail and concluded that Marlon’s expenses can be summarized in the following manner:

According to Marlon’s treatment plan per his surgeon, Marlon’s post-op trajectory for completing physical therapy is August 2026, which is combined with two recent months of hospitalization and physical rehab without earning an income from his job. That’s a total of eight months of operating living expenses @ $5,000/month, totaling $40,000 along with $35,000 in medical expenses facing Marlon as he copes through his recovery. Marlon has faithfully built a savings account over the years which has since been drained to exhaustion. Marlon needs our help.

For these reasons, a goal has been set to raise $75,000 through Go Fund Me to help Marlon during this life-changing experience through no fault of his own. Marlon will be the sole owner of the Go Fund Me account through which your donations will flow. Will you join Bill and me?

Current and future state: join us!

Recently, I spent several hours with Marlon via various ways of communication to gain a better understanding of his current state and personal needs at this time to move his life forward. Marlon wants to get back to his activities of daily living which are comprised of work, worship, exercise, enjoying his family and friends, traveling, and serving others. Marlon has options at this time to pursue multiple career opportunities, given his knowledge skills, experience, and work ethic. We spoke in great detail regarding these career paths, and Marlon is excited to get started.

Please join Bill and me by making a donation here that can help Marlon get back on his healthy feet and be able to enjoy life to his fullest. I am smiling and speaking sincerely and authentically as I seek your support at this time to help Marlon be as much to all of us as he wants himself to be. Further, as a personal message to my fellow BVA Leopard teammates (those who set the winning tradition in the 1970’s, as well as those who were Marlon’s teammates in the 1980’s), there is a bond that we have entrusted among ourselves which is undeniable and truly rewarding.

For those of you who know my mother, the following verse conveniently came from my mom recently and fits well with this appeal:

We are blessed to be able to contribute to such a life-giving bond among us. We also know that victory is not success unless we struggle for it. Marlon is struggling, and he wants to succeed. Let’s help Marlon today to “…be the best that he can be…” (Petrucci, 1978) so he can claim victory over this difficult time. Let’s reach our goal of $75,000. Spread the word by forwarding this message to as many people as you can. Your collective help is greatly appreciated! Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you!