Michael Ediger

Help Michael Get a Double Transplant

Michael Ediger is my 50-year-old husband of 26 years and supportive father to our three children. Michael has suffered from type-1 diabetes for the last 41 years and has handled the challenge with strength and grace. Most people would not even notice his difficulties. He has lived a very active life and has enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, hiking and bicycling.

His diabetes finally took a devastating toll on his kidneys a couple years ago when his legs swelled up enormously. He was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure. He began dialysis on September 15, 2015. During just a short period of time he suffered from a stroke, followed by a heart attack. After a year and a half his stents failed and he recently had a triple bypass. It has been a trying last couple years for us all. The doctors have told us his best hope for life is a double transplant, both kidney and pancreas. Transplants are lifesaving but very expensive.

Despite his increasing health problems and setbacks, Michael had been successfully running his own one man plumbing business until June this year. Through the years he has used his craftsmanship to help others, going on mission trips to Russia, Argentina, Australia, and Peru where he was able to use his skill set to make a difference while helping spread the word of God. He loves our family and has done everything he possibly could to provide for our family for as long as possible.

Michael has been self-employed and now that he Is unable to work since June, our income has been drastically reduced due to his worsening health. I work a full-time call center job from home so we have health insurance for our family. However it does not begin to cover all the costs associated with living, much less transplantation. Though we live in Eugene, Oregon, Michael’s transplant must take place in another state since that is the best choice for his situation. We could be required to stay close to the Medical Center for as long as 6 months during Michael’s transplant and recovery. These relocation costs are in addition to our household expenses during a time neither of us can work. This could financially devastate us.
For latest blog entries visit Michaels caring bridge at
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelediger/journal

To help with this financial burden of Michael’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing fundraising guidance to patients and their families for over 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Northwest Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please, consider making an donation today.

For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.

If you are able and would like to share your time and talents, please call or email me. We will be planning some fundraising events soon and posting updates regularly. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.

With sincere gratitude,

Debby Ediger
(541-510-9966)
[email protected]