Abby Connolly
Marvin ended up staying in the ER for days.
During his visit, he had a series of tests and biopsies taken on his kidneys, liver, skin, chest, etc. The next day, the tests showed small masses on his kidneys and a lesion in his heart.
Marvin’s health began rapidly declining, and he had to be moved to the ICU in critical condition multiple times. Thankfully, he fought through it.
Over the next couple of days, Marvin’s bloodwork came back, showing that he had an infection affiliated with a bacteria called serratia marcescens. The doctors were able to treat Marvin with a series of antibiotics, steroids, painkillers, and an appetite stimulant.
Thankfully on March 31st, Matt and Victoria were able to take Marvin home, just in time for his 2nd birthday. As he continues to heal at home, the couple has received more answers as to what is making him so sick.
Days after his initial ER stay, Marvin was diagnosed with two different lifelong conditions. He was first diagnosed with endocarditis, a disease that affects the heart.
He was also diagnosed with histiocytosis, a rare immune disease. He will receive immunosuppressants for it once he finishes fighting the infection he was previously diagnosed with.
Marvin will be living with these diseases for the rest of his life, but his journey does not end here. Matt and Victoria claim that ever since he’s returned home, he has been acting more like himself everyday.
Nick Mpistolarides, one of Victoria’s family members, has created a GoFundMe page for the couple, as this entire experience has cost them a massive amount of money. They will need to keep spending as they continue Marvin’s treatments from here on out.
On top of it all, Matt and Victoria will be having their wedding in August, with Marvin as their ring bearer. They have high hopes that he will make it down the aisle.
“We’re all hopeful and positive he will fight through this,” writes Nick.
