Support Michael's Urgent Kidney Transplant

Aloha,

I'm Chad Ford, a friend and colleague of Michael Ligaliga.

I have known and worked with Michael for twenty years, first as one of my students, and then as a colleague in the Intercultural Peacebuilding Program at BYU-Hawaii.

Michael and his family are in desperate need of your help.

Michael's kidneys are failing and he's preparing to undergo an urgent kidney transplant at the University of Utah. Several potential kidney donors have emerged as potential donors.

Michael's wife, Lima, and his two teenage children, Joanie and Landon, along with many of his family, friends, students, and colleagues are praying for Michael's successful transplant.

Those who know Michael know he is one of the most generous, big-hearted, and impactful people in our community. He has become a beloved figure at both the University and in the town of Laie. His dedication to helping others and building peace has been inspirational. His work with HIVA, an innovative indigenous approach to peacebuilding, is revolutionary.

His family, and the world, need Michael around for a long, long time.

The costs of Michael's medical challenges have been overwhelming. His family has gone into deep debt to cover medical expenses related to treating his kidney disease—including therapies, medications, a coming panniculectomy, travel to SLC, and missed time from work. In addition, because Michael is on an HB1 visa, his wife, Lima, doesn't have permission to work in the US to help cover the gap.

While Michael's insurance covers some of the cost, his deductible and coinsurance will be around $5,000. His first year of medication will be between $10,000 - $12,000 depending on how his body responds to the new kidney. His flights and travel will be $4,000-$6,000, and lodging for post-surgery will be around $4,000. Post-op lab visits, $3,000.

Michael is also trying to pay off expenses from previous travels, labs, and specialist appointments with the kidney transplant team over the past 6 months.

The request for funds comes at a time when the Ligaligas know, as a global family, we are all struggling. While there is a request for financial support, they also ask for prayers for Michael through this critical time.

I am hoping to raise $60,000 to help cover the medical costs for Michael. All funds will go through Joe Teo, a close family friend of the Ligaligas, who has agreed to receive funds and pay expenses on behalf of Michael to pay overdue and current medical bills, purchase necessary materials while in the hospital, and for after-hospital-at-home costs.

We know the amount they need is a lot. But any small amount will help. Please consider giving back to a family who has given so much to BYU-Hawaii, his communities, and the world.