Michael Smith known fondly as the "Bread Man"

Hello Friends,

I am reaching out today on behalf of my brother, Michael Smith, fondly known as the 'Bread Man.' Michael is in urgent need of a lung transplant and has a limited window to receive one. Michael remains on the lung transplant wait list. His surgery is tentatively estimated to be some time in 2024.

Michael needs to attend numerous doctor appointments to complete the required preliminary tests in San Francisco, CA, at the UCSF facilities to prepare for the surgery. This is a 4-hour drive (without traffic) one-way for him. The Go Fund Me is set up to help Michael defray expenses such as the costs of transportation (gas, mileage, tolls, parking, etc.) getting him to and from those specialized doctor appointments and extensive tests as well as hotel and meals (when needed). Wendell Smith (Michael's Father) is his primary caregiver. Each time Michael and his caregiver go to UCSF for an appointment, it costs an average of $200-300. It costs twice that amount, if there is a overnight stay involved.

After the lung-transplant surgery, Michael and one caregiver/family member will need to stay on-site in quarantine in the hospital with Michael for a 6-week-stay while he is in the recovery stage at the hospital. Afterward, there will be several caregivers in place to rotate in and out for his home care after his release from his initial surgery and subsequent 6-week-stay in the hospital.

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Michael is a familiar face in the community, always on-hand to film and promote local events, and known for his tenacious efforts to gather food for the less fortunate. He is the one carrying an oxygen tank in one arm and his camera equipment in the other arm. He is the guy filming on the sidelines of a ball game, a parade, a museum tour, a live music concert; a restaurant opening; and more. He promotes the local 'happenings' of 'what's up' on his You tube channel called “Nevada Trails TV.”

Michael Smith loves to get involved with the community. He has dressed up as “Casey the Crocodile” and “Lucky Duck” in the Gardnerville, Nevada, parades. He helped the “Kids and Horses Riding Center” for the disabled with their 'Tabs for Kids' fundraiser. Their program is near and dear to his heart having had to face his own injuries and life with a disability. The local 9-1-1 department and firemen of the Gardnerville, Nevada, nicknamed Michael “The Bread Man,” due to his tireless efforts in gathering food for those in need. Here is a link of Michael on You Tube sharing a bit about himself click here; Michael participating in 'Tabs for Kids.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwisNzqQlFI&t=16s

Michael's need is great. Michael's expenses and needed care has exceeded what his family can provide. Right now, he is struggling just to keep going until the surgery date gets set. Michael has been on disability since his brain injury years ago. He gets limited income when he is able to video record for local community gatherings and meetings. When his health fails, like it did over Christmas, keeping him in the hospital and then rehab for almost 6-weeks, it eliminates any chance for Michael to make any supplemental income.

The Go Fund Me funds will also help Michael after his lung transplant surgery with his home care. The funds will help with his caregiver expenses and Michael's living expenses while unable to video produce shows. His home care needs after surgery is estimated to be for 3-months. Each person is different on recovery times. Michael's need is great. Our needs as caregivers to help Michael are great. Your donations no matter how big or small will make a big difference in my brother's life.

Despite Michael's hardships in struggling during his wait for his lung transplant surgery, Michael remains optimistic and positive. He has a great sense-of-humor which I believe has been pivotal in getting him through the lows, but most of all he has great faith.

I am pleading to all of you angels out there, please help my brother. He needs some bread to make it until his lung transplant. He has done so well. He has been so brave. Please have a heart for the underdog and give what you can today. Please share this message with your friends and family about Michael.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Michael's story. Thank you for your donations.

Sincerely,

Wendy Fox (Michael's little sister)