Michael's Hope for Healing

Behind every smile, there is a story of personal struggle. Michael Serrano has the rare ability to make everyone he encounters feel important, not only with his cunning and charming personality but with his kind soul. Our beloved friend, Michael is in dire need of financial support during this devastating time in search of a new liver.

Michael an optimistic and energetic young professional achieved a major landmark in his 8 year long career with Ulta and Benefit Cosmetics and winning the Glambassador title, becoming the brow guru of the Southern California region. In midst of his triumph Michael lost his father on September 18, 2019, and as a result his Aunt and Uncle Shelly and Robert, and close friends have been his rock and stability throughout this unfortunate time.


He has the heart of a warrior, as Michael has endured tremendous challenges regarding his health over the last decade. Through countless medical procedures and trials Michael now faces the need for a liver transplant. Michael is very sick and needs the help and support of his friends and community now more than ever.

Michael's health problems began in his Sophomore year of high school at the age of 14. He began to experience fatigue, stomach problems, and an array of other symptoms.  One year later after experiencing a complete loss of appetite Michael was found passed out outside of a restaurant. From there he was hospitalized only to be diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis and Crohn's Disease.

Little did Michael know how impactful his new diagnosis would be on his quality of life. At age 15 he was put on a high dose of Prednisone to control the inflammation in his liver and prevent further scarring. The long term use of Prednisone were vast, ultimately causing Michael to develop Osteoporosis, which he was diagnosed with at 26 years of age. Within the ten years of his initial diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis, Michael has undergone multiple trials of medication, liver biopsies, weekly lab work, and imaging. 

At 26, advised under his hepatologist, Michael discontinued usage of the Prednisone due to the detrimental side-effects. Since then Michael, who stands at 6'1, has lost over thirty pounds, leaving him at 139 lbs. 

Approximately 9 months later in 2017, Michael was hospitalized for fever, itchiness, and severe jaundice (Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow because of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment). From there, Michael was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. He was then put on Ursodiol to treat the restriction of his bile ducts. Since then Michael has had approximately 5 procedures placing stents in his liver to de-restrict his bile ducts in attempt to relieve blockage.



Unfortunately, On October 3, 2019, Michael was admitted to the UCSD La Jolla Surgery Center to receive a liver biopsy, a fairly routine procedure that Michael was no stranger to. Unknowingly, the aftermath of this procedure has been detrimental. During the liver biopsy a hepatic artery was accidentally lacerated causing Michael to bleed out and nearly die. Michael had to undergo a massive blood transfusion where he received over 16 units of blood and blood byproducts. Michael was immediately admitted to ICU where he has been ever since.

Since being hospitalized indefinitely, Michael's (liver) levels have increased to an all time high to the point now where a liver transplant is on the horizon.


On October 11, 2019 Michael met with a social worker and several GI specialists to begin the search for a matching donor candidate. 

Until Michael receives a new liver and makes a full and hopeful recovery he will have to be on disability and take an indefinite leave of absence from the workplace and career he has shown so much dedication and passion for.


Together we can help ease the financial stress that comes along with treatment and recovery! 


With love,
The friends and family of Michael Serrano

For more information on the following conditions:

https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/autoimmune-hepatitis/

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease

https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/primary-sclerosing-cholangitis/