Mike Z's Kidney Transplant Journey

I want to share with you the journey of my brother, Mike. In 2022, Hurricane Ian struck, a category 5 storm that flattened Ft. Myers, Florida, where my brother lives and works. Mike, ever the dedicated chef, worked tirelessly for three days straight, ensuring that the residents of the assisted living facility where he worked were fed and cared for. However, as a diabetic, Mike's dedication took a toll on his health, resulting in kidney failure.

For over a year now, Mike has endured the grueling process of dialysis and the complicated and frustrating process of being cleared for a kidney transplant and finding a suitable kidney donor. Mike’s sister Lynn jumped in and was tested. Preliminary testing found that she was a match on paper. Relief and joy! She then followed up with a trip to Tampa for a week of extensive testing to ensure she was a suitable match.

Now, with the kidney transplant scheduled for May 2nd in Tampa, we are on the cusp of a new chapter filled with hope, healing, and getting life back to normal for Mike. The pre-op procedures are set for April 29th, and afterwards, Mike will require 4-6 weeks of careful aftercare, with Lynn needing 2 weeks of recovery as well, near the hospital.

Many folks have asked us how they can be involved in Mike’s transplant and recovery journey. One easy way is to help defray some of the expenses that insurance will not cover, including copays, patient, donor and caregiver travel, and aftercare lodging expenses.

Thank you for keeping Mike, wife Gigi, Lynn and the family in your heart this Spring as we finish this!