When someone you care about needs a kidney transplant, everything changes overnight.
I never imagined becoming a living donor until I saw a post about my friend Michael. I stepped forward and went through months of testing, hoping I could help. But due to my complex kidney anatomy, the process took longer than expected—and time was something Michael didn’t have.
Just before surgery, Michael was living on only 4% kidney function.
Thankfully, a miracle came in time—his adopted brother, who had just returned from serving a mission, was a perfect match. Because of his selfless act of love, the transplant could move forward.
But the journey didn’t end there.
Michael, his wife Lima, and their two children had to leave their home in Laie, Hawaii, and temporarily relocate to Herriman, Utah for treatment and recovery. As a professor at BYU–Hawaii, traveling back and forth wasn’t financially possible, so the whole family had to move.
We are hoping to raise $28,000 to help cover:
- Temporary housing and cost of living in Utah
- Medical and recovery expenses
- Lost income and work disruption
- The strain of being away from home during recovery
Even in his hardest moments, Michael earned his PhD, continued teaching, and faithfully served as a church leader—when most people in his condition would have needed complete rest.
He is a devoted husband, father, teacher, and community leader. He also created HIVĀ, a conflict resolution model rooted in Pacific values.
During the recent floods on Oahu, instead of selling his belongings to support his own family—something he urgently needed—Michael donated everything he owned to help others.
That’s who he is, and now he needs us.
Your support will help ease the financial burden on his family and allow him to focus fully on healing.
Every donation—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference.
If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing. Your support, prayers, and kindness mean everything.
Thank you for being part of Michael’s recovery journey.