My sister, Michelle White Konstanzer is 47 and is in desperate need of a life-saving liver transplant. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and her doctors at The University of Michigan Hospital have told her that a transplant is her only option. Transplants are life-saving and also very expensive.
Everyone who knows Michelle knows how kind and personable she is. She is the loving mother of Kaitlin (15) and Kristopher (19), a sister, aunt and good friend to many. Michelle graduated from Traverse City Central High School, attended Western Michigan University and then moved back to Traverse City. She pursued her passion for cooking and culinary background working at Holiday Ski Resort as the food and beverage coordinator, planning weddings and large parties. Unfortunately, due to her declining health she was forced to stop working. After many years of helping others and being a great role model for young kids, she now needs your help.
Updates (3)
January 20, 2017
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday spent with friends and family. Mine was very quiet but very special.And the January melt. I have a great place on my couch to rest and watch the snow melt. And it is even a better place to watch price is right. I am doing well I believe each day is a day blessed by god. I will admit I am slowing down, sleep alot and had to release some control ok basically all control. I am still listed just waiting for a match spirits are high and we are all very optimistic. my son Kristopher announced at Christmas he will be getting married Aug. 1 of this year.Not sure if he was trying to shock me back to health regardless his wedding gives me a wonderful project to work on. I want his day perfect. I i am in planning mode and we all know what that means. I continue to make several trips a month to U of M I ko back on feb.1 for more testing. I never know what to expect, but I have a great support team that helps with the good and the bad. I am scared but in peace. thank you all who continue to pray for me and my family. Thank you for all your kind words, phone calls, contributions and support. I would have never made it this far without my family my support group and all of you, Thank you for your support with out it I do not believe I could have made it this far. God bless you all.
Happy 2017 MK
October 14, 2016
Hello to everyone!! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall colors. I want to start with a very special thank you to Janene she planned and was the point person for the golf outing words cannot say enough for all the hard work Janene and the group of volunteers for making the golf outing a wonderful event. I would also like to say thank you to everyone that participated in the golf outing. It was a great rainy, wet, and sloppy day and we still had a full house. I would like to thank Elmbrook Golf course for how well they supported my outing. They went above and beyond for our group, made us feel comfortable and upbeat regardless of the weather Kudos. I would also like to thank Frank and the staff at the BayView Inn for all the hard work they put into ensuring that everyone had a great time and a great time was had by all. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and genuine support from everyone. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the event and humbled once again by the support that I continue to receive from everyone. You all give me the strength I need to continue the fight.
On the medical side I am still waiting for the "phone call" waiting is the hardest part. I had a couple of set backs I had to be taken by ambulance to Munson I spent 3 days in ICU in a medical induced coma and 2 days in a regular room. One week later I was back to Munson again. I do not remember much however I am back home and stable. I recently went to U of M to see my doctor and I have moved up on the list, I return to U of M next week for more testing. I am fighting like hell to live. And I know with everyone's prayers and support I can win this fight. I enjoy all the cards, phone calls, facebook and texts they are a boost to my day. I spend alot of time sleeping, so if it takes me some time to get back to you I am sleeping and apologize. Thank you to everyone for caring. God bless you all my love and gratitude Michelle
Photo Galleries (3)
Guestbook
May 6, 2017
Michelle, it was great to see you and chat with you at Trophy Trolley last week. You are still the funny, crazy girl I've known for years. I believe this is a temporary setback for you---and you sure are a fighter!! Keep that smile and that positive attitude!!! I'll be telling you Happy New Year next January!!!
Nancy Sanderson
February 12, 2017
Dear Michelle,
I was just posting in the Traverse City group as our 1987 class is getting ready for a 30 year reunion and we are all posting old pictures of then and now.
I came across the post about you was shocked to see you are in need of a liver. I hope you have moved up on the list and will receive the wonderful gift of a new liver very soon.
I remember you very well from high school. You were vibrant and energetic . You were beautiful then and looking at the picture, you still are! I will keep you in my heart as I say prayers/meditations for hope, strength, acceptance, a miracle, and loving support from all who know you. I pray that you will receive the gift of a new liver as soon as possible.
Our family had to watch our 19 year old niece wait for a heart transplant last year and it was so hard. Then bam, one day a match came in and she received her new heart just in time. She is now back at U of M and doing great. So now I believe in unexpected miracles and wish that for you. Hope you stay well and comfortable as you wait.
Penny Puustinen-Johnson
February 7, 2017
My dear Michelle. It is almost 2 years since you were diagnosed with liver disease and it has been a difficult journey for you as well as for your family and friends. The past few trips to the ER have been very scary for all of us.This past hospital admission was hard on you and each moment I spent in the ER and in your hospital room for several days, I realized how hard you have fought to stay alive, and once again you returned home, weak but ready to fight some more. I am fighting right beside you. Spending time with you has become very precious to me, and as difficult as it is to leave you, I still honor your request to be alone, to give you your "space" as you put it. I know that God has a plan for you and that you have not yet completed your journey on earth, and I know deep in my heart that you will get the liver you need to survive. We have to keep fighting--together, as we always have and we always will. Love you lots. mom
Marianne White
