Michael Thomas

Mike Thomas

Transplant Type: Kidney

Update: Mike received a kidney transplant on November 24, 2019!

Mike Thomas is awaiting a new lease on life. He began to have issues with his kidneys several years ago, and his kidney function started declining. It was a shock, as there is no family history of kidney disease. Mike has been on dialysis for 16 years, which takes a toll on his quality of life and leaves him tired. He now faces end-stage kidney failure. Doctors say a kidney transplant is necessary.

During this difficult time, Mike is thankful for the love and support of his wife, Janice, and their family and friends. Their fifteen-year-old grandson recently came to live with them, and Mike’s illness prevents him from being the active husband and grandfather he would like.  Mike looks forward to receiving a transplant that will free him from dialysis and give him back his energy. He has been on dialysis for so long, he can’t wait to have a more normal life that doesn’t revolved around his dialysis schedule and be able to focus on raising his grandson. Mike enjoys riding his motorcycle, fishing, and taking his dogs for walks, but his health limits his activities. He wants nothing more than to be healthy so he can enjoy many more years with his family, travel, and live his life to the fullest. But right now, he needs your help.

The average kidney transplant costs more than $414,000, 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 expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Mike lives 85 miles from his transplant center, and traveling back and forth for appointments can be expensive. When he receives his transplant, he will have to temporarily relocate to be nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. Mike’s health issues and dialysis schedule forced him to stop working, further adding to his financial burdens.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Mike. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Mike Thomas” on the memo line.Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville