Michelle first discovered she had a serious kidney disease called FSGS in March of 2007. She was in and out of the hospital countless times the first few years, and had to close her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. In September of 2009, she began seven-day-a-week dialysis treatments at home.
One year later, in October of 2010, she received a kidney transplant thanks to the courage and kindness of a friend, but learned only days after the transplant that the disease had returned in the new kidney. After two years of the disease process, the new kidney completely failed, putting her back on dialysis in January 2013, three times a week in a clinic, which continues today. Michelle has decided to try to get another transplant, and is moving onto the “active list” in 2021.
Michelle’s kidney doctor has written a book called “Surviving Kidney Disease: True Stories of Love, Courage, Hope and Heroism” with a chapter about Michelle’s inspiring struggle. He compares her story to that of Sisyphus, the Greek King who kept rolling a boulder up a mountain, only to have it roll back down–again and again. She, like Sisyphus, refuses to give up, or let her circumstances discourage her.
Michelle lives each day with optimism and purpose to give back in whatever way she can. This led her to write, “Saving America’s Grace,” a book that tackles the breakdown of character in politics and our culture. She’s committed to applying her counseling skills to solving the problems we face as a nation, politically and culturally, and is building a communications consulting business that she can run from anywhere, even a dialysis chair.
After thirteen years of medical expenses, Michelle’s financial burdens have multiplied. Fundraising was recommended to help with the medical expenses she faces each year while waiting for another transplant.
Family and friends are raising money for Michelle through the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with her condition and eventual transplantation. She appreciates any extra support that can be offered during this challenging time.
Help Hope Live is a non-profit that assures fiscal accountability of funds raised. Contributors can be sure that donations are tax-deductible and will be used to pay for or reimburse Michelle’s medically-elated 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!
