Michael's Liver/Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
Michael Saldivar has been accepted for a liver and kidney transplant at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans!
Why New Orleans ????
Due to his deteriorating health, on April 12th Michael was flown by hospital plane to Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans where he had a better chance of receiving a transplant in time. He was evaluated and accepted by their transplant team, which was the best news the Saldivar family has had in a long time. Currently, Michael remains hospitalized while the family plays a game that’s become familiar to them—hurry up and wait—until he receives his transplant.
It all started in the fall of 1998 when Michael was 48. He was struck with an extremely rare virus (brachial plexus neuropathy), which attacked his nerves and muscles. The virus caused temporary paralysis in both arms and hands and left him with permanent atrophy. To stop the virus from causing even further damage, such as permanent paralysis, doctors administered massive amounts of steroids and other strong medications, which damaged his liver.
Although Michael was able to go back to work after about a year, he has been unable to work since 2008. As his liver began to fail, his kidneys had to work overtime and began to fail as well. Over the years, Michael has been battling multiple health issues that have eventually resulted in complete liver and kidney failure. Although Michael has been through so much, his sense of humor and love for family and friends has endured. Michael is known for being the “world’s greatest chef,” and those who love him eagerly await his return to the kitchen after his transplant recovery
Many of you reading this only know Michael’s wife, Michelle. To know her is to love her! Michelle tenaciously worked to ensure Kyle and Kelly’s happy childhoods in spite of Michael’s continued illness, and she has continued to help them pursue their life goals and dreams. She has been a hardworking and dedicated Special Education teacher in Rowland Unified for over 30 years. If you live in La Habra Heights, she is familiar to so many as the person making sure good things happen in the community. Michelle has made tremendous sacrifices with grace, generosity, and a smile.
As you can imagine, Michael’s 17-year illness has placed tremendous financial burdens on the family. Since this life-saving surgery is in New Orleans, there are added costs—flights, food and lodging to name a few. There are also co-pays, lost time from work for Michelle, home health care for Michael . . . . The list goes on.
In spite of everything Michael and Michelle have gone through, they have continued to give of themselves to others. They have raised two wonderful children, Kyle and Kelly, who have been a tremendous help and support to their parents. Now it is time for all of us to show our love and appreciation to the Saldivar family. Please donate to help ease their financial burdens and lift their spirits, so the focus can be on giving Michael a new lease on life.
Thank you so much for any help you can give!
In case you would like to send a card (or check) directly, please send to:
Michelle Saldivar
c/o Kyle Saldivar
1034 N. Croft Avenue #2
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Why New Orleans ????
Due to his deteriorating health, on April 12th Michael was flown by hospital plane to Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans where he had a better chance of receiving a transplant in time. He was evaluated and accepted by their transplant team, which was the best news the Saldivar family has had in a long time. Currently, Michael remains hospitalized while the family plays a game that’s become familiar to them—hurry up and wait—until he receives his transplant.
It all started in the fall of 1998 when Michael was 48. He was struck with an extremely rare virus (brachial plexus neuropathy), which attacked his nerves and muscles. The virus caused temporary paralysis in both arms and hands and left him with permanent atrophy. To stop the virus from causing even further damage, such as permanent paralysis, doctors administered massive amounts of steroids and other strong medications, which damaged his liver.
Although Michael was able to go back to work after about a year, he has been unable to work since 2008. As his liver began to fail, his kidneys had to work overtime and began to fail as well. Over the years, Michael has been battling multiple health issues that have eventually resulted in complete liver and kidney failure. Although Michael has been through so much, his sense of humor and love for family and friends has endured. Michael is known for being the “world’s greatest chef,” and those who love him eagerly await his return to the kitchen after his transplant recovery
Many of you reading this only know Michael’s wife, Michelle. To know her is to love her! Michelle tenaciously worked to ensure Kyle and Kelly’s happy childhoods in spite of Michael’s continued illness, and she has continued to help them pursue their life goals and dreams. She has been a hardworking and dedicated Special Education teacher in Rowland Unified for over 30 years. If you live in La Habra Heights, she is familiar to so many as the person making sure good things happen in the community. Michelle has made tremendous sacrifices with grace, generosity, and a smile.
As you can imagine, Michael’s 17-year illness has placed tremendous financial burdens on the family. Since this life-saving surgery is in New Orleans, there are added costs—flights, food and lodging to name a few. There are also co-pays, lost time from work for Michelle, home health care for Michael . . . . The list goes on.
In spite of everything Michael and Michelle have gone through, they have continued to give of themselves to others. They have raised two wonderful children, Kyle and Kelly, who have been a tremendous help and support to their parents. Now it is time for all of us to show our love and appreciation to the Saldivar family. Please donate to help ease their financial burdens and lift their spirits, so the focus can be on giving Michael a new lease on life.
Thank you so much for any help you can give!
In case you would like to send a card (or check) directly, please send to:
Michelle Saldivar
c/o Kyle Saldivar
1034 N. Croft Avenue #2
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Organizer and beneficiary
Susan Ferguson
Organizer
La Habra, CA
Michelle Saldivar
Beneficiary