Summary: An August 23 fundraiser is planned to help cover medical bills and other expenses for Apple Creek resident Mervin Miller. Miller has battled a rare disease called amyloidosis for three years and recently underwent a stem-cell transplant. The benefit will take place from 5-8 p.m. at Fairlawn Mennonite Church in Apple Creek.
Main story: The past several years have been difficult ones for Apple Creek resident Mervin Miller and his family, and an upcoming benefit at Fairlawn Mennonite will offer the community an opportunity to show their support. Funds raised at the August 23 event will go toward Millers medical bills and other expenses.
Three years ago, Miller was diagnosed with amyloidosis type A, a rare disease in which the bone marrow makes too much protein. The protein then builds up in the organs and damages them. Miller has undergone 120 chemo treatments since his diagnosis, and on July 9 of this year, he traveled to Cleveland for a stem-cell transplant. Due to some complications, he ended up spending over three weeks in the hospital.
That was a long three weeks! said Millers wife. Mary Ann Miller is encouraged to see her husbands health slowly improving since the transplant, however. He needs to build his strength back up, but hes going in the right direction, she said.
A plumber by trade, Miller has been unable to work since February because of his illness. As his medical bills have continued to mount, family and friends have looked for ways to help. The Millers church, Fairlawn Mennonite, sold fry pies earlier this year to start an emergency fund for the family. They are now planning a benefit sale that has quickly gained the support of the broader community. Its turning out to be quite an event! said Mary Ann Miller.
It seemed like a calling to do this, like a weight, said Rob Yoder, who is organizing the benefit with the help of many other volunteers. Mervin was going through all of this, and I and others on the committee felt like we couldnt just let him go through it by himself. I dont know the timeframe when God was calling us to do this, but when we stepped up, it seemed like things started changing for Mervin. I feel like there is a correlation between our faith and obedience to Godthat God moves and opens doors when we act. Sometimes were called not just to pray but to do something about it.
All are invited to the benefit on August 23. The event will feature a food fair, auction, bake sale and gospel music. Auction items include handcrafted Amish furniture, outdoor furniture, a tree stand and hunting blind, hunting/fishing/camping supplies, tack, household items, garden supplies, a childrens quilt, gift baskets, gift certificates and many other items. The food fair will offer veal burgers, Gerbers chicken, an Amish wedding meal, pulled pork and other local specialties. A bounce house, caricature artist and other childrens activities are planned as well.
Yoder said he is amazed at the way people have stepped up to donate items for the auction, prepare food, and volunteer for the event. Its definitely a mission of love, he said.
The Millers are grateful for the community's support. It looked so overwhelming until the church started helping, said Mary Ann Miller. It made a big difference. Were so thankful for the many people who have helped us already.
The benefit will take place at Fairlawn Mennonite on August 23 from 5-8 pm. For more information or to donate items for the auction, contact Rob Yoder at 330-201-5050. Those who would like to contribute directly to the fund can send checks made out to Fairlawn Mennonite Church and designated for the Mervin Miller Benefit Fund to Fairlawn Mennonite Church, 8520 Emerson Rd., Apple Creek OH 44606.
