Michael Glenn

Michael Glenn

Transplant Type: Heart

 Michael Glenn is fighting for his life. His health issues began more than twenty years ago when he was in the Navy. He got a virus and was sick for two weeks, but didn’t give it much thought. While in the Reserves, he had occasional chest pains, but continued to write them off as something simple. When he was in his late 20’s and right out of duty, he had a stroke, followed by a second stroke a year later. At that time, he learned the left side of his heart was weak. Over time, he began to have difficulty with shortness of breath and fatigue. Eventually, Michael had a stent put in and was referred to a transplant team. Doctors now say a heart transplant is critical to his survival. After being hospitalized multiple times between October and December of 2019, Michael had to return to the ER on Christmas Eve due to his condition. At that time, he was hospitalized again and on January 8 of this year, he received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or “artificial heart” which helps his heart pump while he waits for a donor heart to become available. Michael remains hospitalized today.

During this difficult time, Michael is grateful for the love and support of his wife, Keeneya, and their family and friends. Michael has a 16-year-old son and two daughters, ages five and eight. His illness prevents him from being the active husband and father he longs to be. It is difficult for Keeneya to juggle a job, being a mom, and trying to be with Michael in the hospital as much as possible. Michael looks forward to receiving a transplant that will give him more years with his family and allow him to be more active. He wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can do things around his house without fatigue, throw the ball with his son, coach his daughters’ soccer teams, and live his life to the fullest. But right now he needs your help.

The average heart transplant costs more than $1 million, and that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Michael lives 55 miles from the transplant center, and traveling back and forth can be expensive. When he receives his transplant, he will have to stay nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Michael is still employed, but he has missed a lot of work due to his health and frequent hospitalizations. As a result, he hasn’t been paid since October, and his wife has had to use their savings to keep them afloat. When he receives his transplant, he will be off work for an extended period of time, further adding to his financial burdens.

The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Michael. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for more than 35 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Michael with the financial support he desperately needs.