Help for Mitch Goldstein's heart and kidney transplant expenses

My brother Mitchell played for the 1981 Clemson Tigers when they won the National Championship. A tough center on the team, he wasn’t a starter but earned his ring and place in Clemson history. He later transferred to Georgia Southern where the legendary coach Erk Russell hoped he would play for him, but due to health concerns, Mitch stepped away from football.

Mitchell's life after football has been just as full — from bodyguarding for the band Alabama to managing Miss Kitty’s, the club where Travis Tritt got his start. He eventually earned a degree in Transportation Logistics and became a long-haul trucker, loving the open road and the people he met along the way.

In his mid-40s, Mitch was diagnosed with diabetes. Despite pushing through for years, a foot injury led to the loss of his leg below the knee. Since then, his health has declined, and today he faces his biggest challenge yet: he needs both a heart and kidney transplant.

The surgeries, to be done a few weeks apart at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, will require months of recovery, daily medications, and 24/7 care. He’ll need to stay near the hospital for at least three months — a major financial burden he’s not prepared for.

We know what a gift these organs are — a gift given through loss. I’ve experienced this from the other side: when my husband died, we were able to donate his dermis, helping 261 people. Now, I pray someone’s selfless gift can save my brother.

We’re asking for your help to support Mitch with his post-surgery expenses: lodging, food, medications, and round-the-clock care.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter the amount, it would mean the world. If you know Mitchell, you know he’s a kind soul — always more interested in hearing your story than telling his own. We are headed back up to Mayo October 26th for the last round of extensive tests which could possibly exclude him from the transplants - please pray he does not get excluded. Please pray this all goes well for Mitch.

Thank you for your support, prayers, and love. Please reach out to Mitchell, send him strength, and if you can, share this message. This is the first time either of us has ever had to ask for help like this — and we hope it’s the last.

With gratitude,