Michele Kidney Recovery Fundraiser

Hello Friends,

The past 14 months have been such a fantastic journey of recovery and joy. Through all the treatments, intense medications and road trips to Emory for monthly infusions and testing, everything Michele has done has moved toward full recovery. In fact, not only did the transplant change her life, her daughter Zoe's and the rest of our family's, but it also touched, through Micheles' various projects to serve - the community around her. Since her transplant, she also had her fistula removed from her arm. And she has had successful reparative surgery on her left eye, giving her vision again. Again, so many of you helped make this possible. Her firm stewardship of the community's medical fund, created and fueled by you, helped accomplish these extraordinary benchmarks. Every penny has carefully and gratefully gone toward only specified needs related to her organ transplant.

Last week, Michele went for routine labs, and some of her levels were off. Her transplant team immediately had her come to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, for further evaluation. Upon further testing, they found that there was a problem with an attempted rejection happening within the kidney. (She had only been off her anti-rejection meds a few weeks.) While this is not uncommon, it was a surprise to Michele and our family. Michele was immediately admitted to Emory Hospital for a rapid series of intense treatments that turn the situation around and get her back on track for sustained health. The medical team is confident in her long-term success and health. However, part of this adjusted path means that she will have to go back on extremely expensive anti-rejection medications - for the next six months - and that she will have to stay here in the hospital for about a week. I am staying here in her hospital room with her around the clock, helping with her care while family and friends help cover responsibilities at home.

The medical fund you all so generously donated did not have these extra challenges built into it. Therefore I have set up this phase of support for those who love and support Michele to offset those extra costs. The medications will be about $300+ a month for six months, totaling $1,800. That is what I have set as the goal of this campaign.

To know Michele is to witness true, unbridled love toward others and an unquestioning celebration of people's uniqueness and creativity. I know I'm not the only one who wants to see her flourish and continue to bless the community around her. Thank you for being so supportive. Every bit helps, no matter the size.

With love and gratitude,

Matt (Michele's Partner)