Movember for Danger Dan
On August 7th, Dan Pfaff walked into Toronto General Hospital with abdominal pain. It was soon discovered that Dan had an infected gallbladder and would be hospitalized. This event sparked a gauntlet of health issues that weakened Dan's body. One unfortunate event after another finally led to Dan being placed on life support. Though Dan walked into the hospital with an infected gallbladder, the only way he would walk out would be to undergo a 3rd double lung transplant. That's right, a third. Dan is currently the 2nd Canadian to survive this operation.
The choice to under go a double lung transplant is not easy, it is hard on the body and not everyone survives. A second transplant hosts more complications than the first, and a third, most die trying or even waiting for the chance to explore this opportunity. Faced with so much uncertainty, Dan Pfaff made the choice to walk an unclaimed path. Unclaimed it has been. On September 13th, Dan received his call for another chance at life. His operation was not without it's challenges, but he was able to succeed the first step, surgery.
The recovery process has been unlike any other. To give some perspective, Dan was in the ICU at Sick Kids for his first transplant for 3 weeks, his second at TGH was 1 week, this time, well, we are waiting to find out. As of right now, Dan has been in the ICU for 2 months. He remains on life support and there isn't a prognosis as to how long his recovery will take. One thing is for certain, each day Dan shows up, works hard, and is teaching the TGH staff the definition of perseverance.
All of these challenges are taking part during a pandemic. Dan's support team has been limited to two; his mother, Tanis, and his twin sister, Amy. Neither of whom are from the Toronto area but have been learning how to live and care for Dan during these unprecedented times. In the past, this family had a plethora of physical support, yet due to COVID, they too are limited.
COVID has effected everyone. There isn't a person who hasn't felt its pressure, it just sucks. Yet, throughout this unknown path, beautiful elements of community have found their way into the darkest of days. Normally, for the month of November, a group of my Toronto friends, along side many other humans who foster facial hair growth, complete the tradition of growing a moustache for the month to support the research of prostate cancer.
This is an important event, and we will continue to raise funds for it... next year. Our goal is to still take part in Movember, but to donate the proceeds to Dan's recovery. That means supporting the family however they need. This family has been working around the clock to care for Dan. These funds will goal a long way to reduce the stress that accompanies such situations.
Please take a moment and donate. If you haven't heard of Dan, I also recommend taking a look on his blog. He is a real inspiration to the people he meets and the cystic fibrosis community.
https://darkandstormyblog.wordpress.com/