What is happening?

On August 11, 2014, Marvin was admitted to Cedars Sinai Hospital for a fever and weakness. The next few days were spent trying to figure out exactly what it was he had. He went through the whole process - MRI, CT Scan, Lumbar Puncture, Blood Tests and multiple consultations from different medical specialists. After a week, they believe they may have finally determined that the initial cause of his infection is the West Nile Virus, which then resulted in neuroinvasive disease.

West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), which occurs in less than 1 percent of cases, is when the virus infects the central nervous system resulting in meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis or a poliomyelitis-like syndrome. It causes a serious neurological infection, including infection and inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord. This can lead to acute flaccid paralysis.

Currently, he has lost mobility from his belly button down and is unable to walk. We are hoping that with rehabilitation and ongoing treatment, he will regain function. There are multiple doctors working on his case and he is getting the best care possible. It will take a lot of hard work and positive thinking, but if anyone can do it, he can! To support Marvin, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers to help him reach full recovery. He needs a lot of rest right now as he gets through the most difficult time over the next few weeks.

Despite his condition, he is already happy to be on his iPad. He loves listening to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and many more of his favorites to keep his spirits up. He has said that he has no room for negative energy, only positive energy. It is that way of thinking that will help him reach full recovery.