Support "Bear's" Kidney Transplant

Michael Schwartz, known as "Bear" by his friends, family and students, was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease over 7 years ago, and has been on dialysis for 6 years.  He currently dialyzes every other day for 4 1/2 hours per day.  The disease has sapped his energy, stamina, and ability to work as a teacher.  Bear is currently a teacher at both Faith Academy and Marble Falls middle school.  Bear's wife, Brandie, has a consulting business as a Certified Holistic Health Coach. As Bear's caregiver, her business has greatly suffered. Bear's illness has also taken an emotional and  financial toll on their ability to work, with countless doctors appointments and hospital stays, sometimes lasting as long as a month. 

But now he and Brandie have hope.  On August 9th, Bear is being blessed by a live donor to receive a kidney transplant.  And while this is a huge blessing, it does come with certain hardships.  Bear will not be able to work for at least 8 weeks.  Brandie's income will continue to be severely curtailed due to the need to care for Bear.   Although there will eventually be financial assistance available for necessary, expensive, anti-rejection drugs, this financial assistance will not be available for 90+ days. This will leave the Schwartz's with additional estimated out-of-pocket expenditures of about $500 for the next 3, or more, months.  This is in addition to the travel, lodging, and food expenses for Brandie while Bear is in the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio for his surgery; and travel expenses for follow-up appointments in SA for a couple of months following surgery to monitor his new kidney function. 

All of the above leaves the Schwartz's in the difficult position of needing financial assistance.  We are hoping that you will open your hearts and your wallets to help this deserving couple.  As friends of Bear and Brandie, we thank you, in advance, for considering a donation.