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Michael is 42yrs old, a successful entrepreneur, a father of three
and a wonderful husband. He is a provider and giver with a proven
track record in helping others and being there for them in their time
of need. It is not in Michael’s nature to be the one who has to ask
for help. Michael is a hardworking man that has always been
self-sufficient, he would never ask for anything from anyone. The
family is dealing with so much right now and new obstacles continue to
pop up daily. Michael’s attitude and strength have been amazing as he
continues to bravely battle this disease.
It is for this reason alone, that we hesitate in letting others
know of the needs…
Michael was diagnosed with non-alcohol induced End Stage Liver
Disease with Hepatic Encephalopathy and given two years to live April
2, 2012. His only hope for a future is a liver transplant.
Over the last two years, as Michael’s health has declined, the
family has had to overcome many obstacles. Both businesses owned by
Michael had to be closed due to his growing disability, he has had to
undergo two major back surgeries, his health has declined dramatically
and he will be undergoing treatment much like chemotherapy in the very
near future.
Financial burdens continue to mount and payment of just basic
monthly bills has become difficult.
Evaluation for a liver transplant, receiving a liver transplant,
and recovering from the procedure takes time, commitment, and is
unique to each patient. The process for transplant is rather lengthy
and tedious. There is a scoring system called a MELD that identifies
if an individual is sick enough to undergo a transplant. In basic
terms, you have to be too sick to survive without a new liver but not
too sick that you’ll die during transplant. There is a 1 in 10 chance
that a liver patient will die on the transplant table.
In the United States alone there are more than 200,000 cases of
liver failure leading to over 40,000 deaths annually. Chronic liver
disease affects between 5 and 10 percent of Americans and is the
eleventh leading cause of death (Klein, 2010). http://miromatrix.com/product/liver-disease/
Unfortunately this journey hasn’t really even begun. The family
has to hurry up and wait for Michael to grow sick enough to be
eligible for a liver transplant. In the meantime the family searchs
for ways to pay bills and afford basic needs with no income. The
family has been very fortunate and blessed over the years with the
outpouring support from community, friends and family. The need for
help will continue until Michael has recovered from his transplant.
The following are monthly needs:
Monthly bills:
$2500+
Non-food grocery items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet
paper, etc): $100
Clothing: $100
Medical Expenses:
$150
Travel Expenses: $300
The family faces a lot of uncertainty and unfortunately there is
no set timeline for the transplant process. The family just has to
wait and pray that all needs will be provided for.
After transplant Michael will be required to take anti-rejection
medication for the rest of his life.
The medications alone could
cost as much as $5,000 per month, and they are as critical to his
survival as the transplant itself.
The family has found themselves in a position where they
desperately need the help, prayers, encouragement and support from
others to carry them through this journey.
Please consider helping the family with a small donation.
Information on Michael’s disease:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQBXlrb8Xmk
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-liver-failure
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