Hello, my name is Michael A. Cuomo, and I’m in need of a living kidney donor.

I’m a 68-year-old husband, father of two, and proud grandfather of five. I live with the love of my life, Tammy, who has stood by me through every storm. This October, we celebrate 25 years of marriage — something I’ve been holding onto as I fight through the hardest chapter of my life.

My health journey began over a decade ago when I weighed over 320 lbs, was insulin-dependent, and barely functioning. Through bariatric surgery and sheer determination, I lost 160 pounds and reversed my diabetes — my A1C is now 4.3. I thought I had turned a corner.

But in 2016, I began having chest pains and fatigue. I underwent two stents… then a few months later, I needed open-heart bypass surgery. I made it through and tried to enjoy retirement, working part-time as a hospital constable and staying active.

Then, about a year ago, everything changed.

I woke up in unbearable pain — kidney stones. Four of them. They caused major damage, leading to stents in my arteries and, eventually, the shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 kidney disease. I never saw it coming.

I’ve been on dialysis since, trying home treatments first, then switching to in-clinic after a dangerous infection landed me in the hospital. Twice now, I’ve received the call for a transplant — and twice, I’ve come heartbreakingly close, only to lose the chance due to timing and complications.

I’ve always lived a life of service — as a police officer, firefighter, and in the military. Now I find myself needing help. I never imagined having to ask for something so personal, but I want more time — more moments with my grandkids, more sunsets with Tammy, more life.

Right now, I battle daily fatigue, side effects from medications, and challenges that have left me physically and emotionally drained. But I still show up. I still fight. And I still hope.

If you’re someone willing to consider living kidney donation — or know someone who might — you could give me back my life. You could be my miracle.

Thank you for reading my story. Please share it. And if you feel moved to help, Please Click THE BLUE BUTTON LOOKING TO DONATE on my site.Every share, every prayer, and every kind word means more than you know.

With hope and gratitude,

Michael A. Cuomo