Living with kidney disease has forced me to be resilient for a very long time. It’s not just the physical challenges — the endless medical appointments, the exhaustion from dialysis, the daily fight to keep going — it’s the emotional and mental toll, too. There’s a weight that comes with knowing your health depends on something you can’t make happen on your own. Read my story here: https://giftworksuuh.com/michaelm/
Since starting dialysis in 2022, I’ve missed out on so much. I can’t be as active with my wife, Tracey, as I’d like. I can’t fully enjoy moments with my four kids or keep up with my 11 grandkids like I used to. I’ve put off dreams of traveling, boating, and camping — things I thought I’d be doing more of in retirement. Dialysis keeps me alive, but it’s a life full of limitations.
Still, I keep fighting. And what keeps me going are the people who matter most — my family, my friends, and everyone who continues to encourage me. They remind me why I need to keep pushing forward, even on the hardest days.
I’m still hopeful for a living donor to step forward and give me the gift of more time. Living kidney donation doesn’t just save a life — it often means a faster transplant, a better recovery, and more healthy years ahead. I’ve heard so many inspiring stories of donors who say it was one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
I still need a donor. If you’ve ever wondered about living donation, please visit my GiftWorks website and complete the short, confidential contact form. You’ll be connected with a Living Donor Navigator — someone who has donated before — who can guide you every step of the way. https://giftworksuuh.com/michaelm/