On July 3, 2025, Michael O'Loughlin was referred to the ER from a routine dentist visit due to a hypertensive crisis. After hospitalization in the ICU and a kidney biopsy, he was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the kidneys and is activated by a viral infection, most likely COVID. Michael had been healthy and had no symptoms before this happened, and we were hopeful he would be able to regain kidney function with a strict diet and medication. However, when he went for follow-up labs, he was admitted to the ER for emergency dialysis. Michael began the process of hemodialysis followed by Peritoneal Dialysis, which he does every night at home. Luckily, his dialysis keeps him stable, but he continues to fight the symptoms of kidney failure every day.
Michael was evaluated by the Mayo Clinic in December, and they have approved him for a kidney transplant! Answered prayers! They are in the process of evaluating living donors for him, and when they find a match, we will be able to schedule surgery! This could be within the next 3 months!
Michael has been able to continue to work through this process, although he used all of his PTO and went over the allowed short-term disability benefits last year. Because of this, he did lose a significant amount of income as he had to continue to take unpaid time away from work for medical appointments to manage his health. Thankfully, his health insurance has and will cover a majority of the cost of dialysis and his transplant surgery, but the leftover amount has been a significant, unexpected expense for the family. Janna has been able to continue to maintain her therapy practice, but with reduced hours due to these circumstances.
The Mayo Clinic requires a one-month residency in Jacksonville, FL following the transplant to monitor the recovery and make sure the new kidney is working well. They require Michael to have a caregiver available 24/7, which will limit Janna's availability to work during this time. The hospital housing option does not allow children, so Michael and Janna will have to get a rental home for the family that will allow space for Michael to recover, the children to do virtual school, and Janna to work when possible.
Michael and Janna followed their longtime dream to move to Panama City Beach in August 2024 and were excited about starting the next phase of their family's life. The move itself was a big transition, but an exciting one! They were looking forward to getting more involved and establishing relationships in the community. Unfortunately, Michael's illness put that on hold, but they are hopeful they can return to normal family activities once he is cleared by his transplant team. Michael is looking forward to having the energy to coach baseball again. He has not been able to swim in the ocean since June and is eager to be able to go to the beach and swim, fish, and paddleboard with his kids again. He has remained hopeful and positive through this crisis, and we are thanking God he is ready for transplant and trust God will deliver a healthy kidney, successful surgery, smooth recovery, and renewed life.
The social worker at The Mayo Clinic recommended setting a fundraising goal as a way to reduce stress on the family during this critical time awaiting transplant and the recovery period that follows so Michael and Janna can focus on his health and recovery without the concern of the financial burden the blessing of a kidney transplant can carry.