Help Hope Live for Michael R Gray

In 1991, while working to obtain his master’s degree, Mike became extremely ill and weak. Despite his illness, he pushed forward and graduated with an MA in nonprofit management from Regent University. He was even voted valedictorian! After undergoing multiple tests, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease. Doctors said a liver transplant was critical to his survival.Fortunately, a co-worker and fellow Regent University graduate, donated a portion of his own liver to save Mike’s life in 2001. The Gray family is forever grateful to Tom, who risked his life to save Mike’s.It is hard to believe that it was 23 years ago that Mike had his transplant. Aaron, our son, was 13 years old. Mike is extremely thankful for the twenty three years he has been given, through his transplant, to raise his son and be at his wedding. There have been many health struggles, ER visits and hospitalizations, but Mike was able to have a few good years before issues began to show up again.2020 was difficult, 2021 was a struggle and 2023 has been the hardest year yet for Mike. He has severe exhaustion that keeps him from doing all the physical activities he loves, such as gardening, walking, going to the beach, fishing and surfing. Mike has stage 4 cirrhosis and suffers many ill effects from post transplant medications. Doctor visits and medication changes are numerous.In 2023 Mike has been in ER 3 times. He fell and broke a rib in his back, and he fell a few month later and broke his left wrist. He was in a cast for 6 weeks and had physical therapy for 7 weeks. Just 2 months ago he fell and landed on his back. He could not move or speak or open his eyes. We believe it was a TIA. He was whisked off to the ER where he recovered slowly as his speech and sight came back and he was released. He has short term memory loss from the ammonia build up in his brain because his liver cannot detox toxins properly. This is the greatest frustration because he struggles to read and has short term memory loss. He is a trooper though that continually sings to the Lord and remains thankful for all the blessings he has.We are often challenged with finances, but the Lord has been faithful along with our family and friends. His Medicare supplement is over $230 per month and copays on meds, dentist bills, doctor visits, etc. add up quickly. Donations have carried us through, allowed us to stay in our home and get the help Mike needs. The out-of-pocket expenses range from $700 to $900.00 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Because of his declining health, Mike is unable to work, adding to financial strain.We are thankful for everyone who has had a part in helping with finances, which has helped so much to alleviate stress. We are especially thankful to everyone who has prayed, and is praying, for Mike’s health and well being.The journey has been difficult, but Mike has never lost faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is a witness to our neighbors and anyone who needs help and wants to talk.Mike is here for anyone who wants to talk, ask questions or be prayed for.We love you and thank God upon every remembrance of you.Michael is raising money through the nonprofit” Help Hope Live” to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation. The organization, National Foundation for Transplants, NFT have changed their format and anyone who previously supported Mike through NFT, will be able to use this site for all donations and comments. 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.Thank you for your support!