Many of you know my husband, Micah, as a hard working, outgoing, dedicated family man. He’s always been the kind of guy who hears about a friend’s home improvement project and takes the weekend to help them wrap up. He prefers to help rather than be helped, but we could really use the support of our amazing family and community.
Micah discovered he had Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease, in 2004 after suffering from a severe respiratory illness. Sarcoidosis continued to aggressively attack his lungs, and over the past twenty years, it has reduced his lung function to nineteen percent. This current functionality makes it difficult for him to to do everything from walk up stairs to carrying his children.
Micah wants to be an active participant in his children’s lives. He can no longer walk briskly alongside a bike to teach a little to ride, play ball in the yard, swim or even spend the day walking around the zoo without struggling to breathe. Micah’s lung condition has turned an active man and father into an observer longing to do those things that used to come naturally. Despite his low lung function and difficulty breathing, he continues to work hard to provide for his wife and seven daughters.
After experiencing another severe respiratory illness last year, Micah’s pulmonologist said it was time to get a referral to a transplant team at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. They ordered and reviewed many tests to be performed and labs to be drawn, and ultimately, the transplant team determined a double lung transplant is necessary. With the reality of a transplant in his future, Micah has a lot to process and a long road ahead of him.
Even with insurance, the cost of a transplant is immense. Everything from medical equipment and anti rejection medication co payments to lodging will come out of pocket. After the transplant, Micah will need to remain in St. Louis for at least three months to continue post transplant appointments, procedures, and pulmonary therapy.
Micah has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
We ask that you pray for Micah, the transplant team, the donor’s family and our family as we prepare for this difficult time and wonderful opportunity for Micah to regain his health. Thank you for your support!
With grateful hearts,
Micah, Amy and family
