Mike's Kidney Issues Fund

Michael Downs, Mike to his friends, had his first kidney ultrasound in 2012 when his problems began. At the time it was discovered he had a horseshoe kidney - one large kidney that wraps around instead of two smaller kidneys like everyone else. Horseshoe kidneys affect approximately 1 in 600 people, and while they are normally asymptomatic, in Mike's case he has developed Hydronephrosis , a swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder due to a blockage or obstruction.  In Mike's case, the blockage is mostly on the right hand side, and what we know at the moment is that it is not due to kidney stones.  However, they key with any kidney issue is to get into treatment soon, to avoid scaring of the kidneys or further health complications.

Mike has had the initial ultrasound to diagnose the hydroenprosis, but he needs a more complete exam and possible surgery to repair and heal the condition. This exam will need to occur at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis - a respected medical teaching university - approximately 250 miles away from his home in Fargo, ND.

We are raising funds to get Mike to this exam, and to any follow up treatment appointments, and for any costs associated with his treatment.  Even with health insurance, this is going to be an expensive undertaking.   Any amount that you can give will be deeply and gratefully accepted and used for his medical treatment.

Please watch this space for further updates about Mike and the trials he has to go thru. Thank you so much for your attention, and your donation!