Donate to Mike's Second Chance at Life

Hi, my name is Rolando, and I’m writing this on behalf of someone who means the world to me—Mike. I’ve known Mike for many years. He was the father of my best friend, John Michael, who tragically passed away in a car accident four years ago. Since then, Mike has continued to be family to me, and I’ve been honored to stand by his side through life’s highs and lows. Today, I’m asking for your help because Mike is finally getting a second chance at life, and we want to make sure he has everything he needs to make a full recovery.

The Journey So Far:

For over 7 and a half years, Mike has been on dialysis, waiting and praying for a kidney transplant. At first, doctors told him the wait for his blood type would be around 4 years. But as time passed, those years stretched longer and longer, and the call he was hoping for never came. Despite the uncertainty and emotional toll, Mike didn’t give up. He worked tirelessly to improve his health—losing over 70 pounds in just 6 months—and put himself in the best shape of his life.

More than just the physical battle, Mike’s greatest motivation has been his grandson, Jay. After losing his son John Michael, Mike was left with the responsibility and blessing of raising his grandson. What pushed him to embark on this health journey wasn’t just the hope of a transplant—it was the dream of being there to see Jay grow up, build a career, get married, and one day have a family of his own. Mike’s deepest desire is to live long enough to witness these milestones in Jay’s life and continue being the loving grandfather he has always been.

During this time, Mike also experienced something even more important: he gave his life to Jesus Christ. With the support of his wife Arelis, Mike grew in his faith and learned to trust God’s timing, even when it felt like nothing was happening. He never stopped believing in a miracle, and now, it’s finally here.

The Miracle:

Just a few days ago, Mike received a call that changed everything. A woman, who had originally volunteered to donate her kidney to her husband but wasn’t a match, decided to donate it to a complete stranger. When the transplant team entered her information into the national database, they found a perfect match—Mike. The surgery is scheduled for January 16, 2025, and with this generous gift from a living donor, Mike will finally be able to leave dialysis behind and start a new chapter in his life.

Why He Needs Your Help:

While this is an incredible blessing, the journey doesn’t end with the surgery. Mike will face a long recovery period, ongoing medical expenses, and the cost of life-saving anti-rejection medications. As someone who has been through so much already, I want to do everything I can to make sure financial worries don’t hold him back from focusing on his recovery.

Your support—whether through a donation or sharing this campaign—will help cover:

Why It Matters:

Mike has been a rock for so many people, including me. After losing my best friend, John Michael, Mike became like a father to me. His strength, kindness, and faith have inspired everyone who knows him. More importantly, he’s been a guiding light and a source of stability for Jay, who lost his father at such a young age.

This is a man who never gives up, who fights through every challenge with grace, and who has always trusted that God’s plan is greater than his own. Now, he has a real chance at a better life, but he can’t do it alone. This is our opportunity to come together and help him make the most of this gift.

Thank You:

Thank you to everyone who has supported Mike throughout this journey—family, friends, coworkers, and his church family. And thank you in advance to anyone who chooses to support him now, whether through a donation or by sharing this with others. Every bit of help makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness.

Let’s give Mike the support he needs to start this new chapter—healthy, hopeful, and surrounded by love. Together, we can help him achieve his dream of living a long, healthy life—not just for himself, but for Jay, who still has so many precious moments to share with his grandfather.

With gratitude,

Rolando