Erin Mantis
My name is Erin Mantis and I am a Clinical Psychologist in the Greater Toronto Area. I have known Felix for the past 17 years, since his early years in recovery. I have been lucky enough to know him as both a close friend and a respected colleague. There are many reasons for the great respect I have for Felix that I will share with you in this letter.
Firstly, if you don’t know Felix he is a Sci Fi Buff and a great conversationalist in most topics, he can really run the gamut. I personally share his love of Science Fiction, working out, and of course our passion for everything about humanity, therapy and psychology. I truly respect how Felix has taken his own struggles and weaved them into a journey that has become a dedication to helping others; and when I say helping I mean really rolling his sleeves up and getting into the thick of the human experience and the painful journeys that his friends, family, and clients have experienced. It would not be unusual to find him hospital bedside or in someone’s living room as they grieve their most tragic moments. He does not shy away when he is called upon. That is why I can truly say he is a man of exceptional character, kindness, and generosity.
Felix has spent the past two decades not only sharing his professional and personal support in the recovery community, guiding many individuals on their paths to healing and growth, but he has also travelled his own personal journey toward better health and well-being. In the past decade he has become an avid cyclist, a dedicated gym enthusiast, and a health-conscious foodie. His commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, even in the face of setbacks and now his own struggles, speaks to his own determination to care for his body and mind. I believe this dedication makes him a the perfect candidate for receiving and maintaining a new kidney, as he has demonstrated a strong ability to follow health directives and take the necessary steps to protect his well-being.
As a son, husband, brother, uncle, friend, and loving dog dad, Felix’s life is filled with love and commitment to those around him. His presence in the lives of his family, friends, and community is a source of strength, comfort, and great conversations.
Felix is looking for a living donor who is willing to give him the gift of life. This is a profound request, but it is also an opportunity to make an incredible difference in the life of someone who has often and continues to to give without a thought otherwise so much to others. I know that asking for this kind of support is not easy, but I believe that Felix’s story will resonate with many of you who understand the value of compassion, generosity, and the human spirit.
Felix is a good person plain and simple. I am proud to call him my friend and colleague, and I hope that, with your pause, thought and consideration, we can find the donor who will give him the chance to continue living the life he has worked so hard to build.
Thank you for taking the time to read my experience as a witness to Felix’s warm and generous life. Your support, whether through donating, sharing, or simply offering your thoughts and prayers, means the world to us.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Erin Mantis, Friend and Professional Colleague