Hi, Philip Vanwissen speaking to you. I am a 59 years young Catholic male.  I was diagnosed with stage 4 compensated Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver over 10 years ago. 

In October 2025 my condition changed from compensated to decompensating.  This process has caused profound muscle wasting with little to no energy for daily tasks.  It also meant I could no longer work and have been on long term disability through my employee benefits program. 

I have Grade 3 Ascites that requires bi-weekly hospital appointments to drain this abdominal fluid. They drain up to 12 liters (3 gallons) each time.  I am currently searching for a Living Liver Donor. 

This fundraiser is for the non medical, out of pocket, expenses not covered by any insurance or government program. 

The following is a breakdown of what I’ve been told by the Social Worker Member of the Transplant Team.  All estimates are to cover both myself and my mandatory support caregiver.  These estimates are all based on a textbook recovery plan. 

Short term accommodation near the hospital in downtown Toronto, Ontario.  I estimate approximately $5,000.00 per month x’s 2. (The initial stay will be a minimum of 2  months.)

I estimate groceries can be approximately $1,000.00.  This includes food to facilitate healing and supplements like specific protein products. 

If my recovery goes well I should be able to leave Toronto and go back home to Ottawa after the minimum two months. However, once back in Ottawa there will be WEEKLY, in person, follow-up visits in Toronto until my recovery is stable and the Hepatogist can release my care back to my Hepatologist here in Ottawa.  These weekly trips back to Toronto and home the same day with my mandatory support caregiver will be approximately $180.00. 

Thank you for any help you can give at this time of need including your thoughts and prayers. 

Philip Vanwissen