Michael Watkins, my son, has been facing a difficult journey in his fight for a kidney transplant. After being removed from the Royal Oak Corewell kidney transplant list due to calcium buildup near the transplant area, Michael is now working to get on the University of Toledo kidney transplant list. The doctors there are confident that once he is listed, he will receive a kidney quickly. In the meantime, Michael is undergoing tests and following instructions from his transplant doctors to manage fluid around his heart.

This journey has been especially tough for Michael. He went from having a steady job to living on a fixed income after losing his work insurance and being forced to switch to government insurance. Anyone who has been on the kidney transplant list knows how challenging this can be. On top of that, Michael must regularly drive over an hour to Toledo for tests, meetings with his transplant team, and other appointments, not counting the dialysis he does three days a week. The cost of gas, food, and lodging adds up quickly, and it’s a lot for anyone to handle.

Funds raised will help cover food, medical expenses, and hotel costs at the University of Toledo, so Michael can stay close to his transplant team and avoid exhausting travel for tests and appointments. By sharing to Michael's cause, you are helping his journey to a new kidney become less tiresome and stressful, and hopefully making the transition smoother so when he gets a kidney, his body is not exhausted from all the travel. Your support means so much to us, and we are grateful for any help you can provide.