Micah needs a new kidney, and we hope that you will either consider being a donor or share this information with your friends and family to help us find a suitable donor.
In 2011, at age seven, Micah was diagnosed with FSGS, a rare, chronic kidney disease with no cure. FSGS attacks the filtering capabilities in both kidneys, leads to permanent kidney damage and, ultimately, complete kidney failure. Over time, Micah’s condition has worsened; his kidney function is now at 30 percent and dropping rapidly. He is facing complete kidney failure and urgently requires a kidney transplant to save his life. Micah has been battling for nine years through countless doctor appointments, hospitalizations, regular labs and blood draws, multiple experimental treatments, restrictive diets, nightly shots, and a daily cocktail of medications.
Sophomore year we were hit with COVID-19 and are trying hard to stay healthy and finish this crazy semester from home. Amid all this chaos and right before finals, Micah’s doctors tell us that he is not going to make it through high school; Micah’s current kidney function is at 30 percent and dropping rapidly. This news is disappointing and discouraging. As parents, they felt like they failed him, but Micah, true to the incredible person he is, responded with, “It’s ok, I’m ok, I’m ready, and everything will be fine.” We hope you can see that Micah is a remarkable person and son, a protective big brother, a loyal friend, and so courageous. He is truly an inspiration. Now at 16, with your help, Micah has a chance to live a happy and, most importantly, a healthy life with an opportunity to accomplish all his dreams!
His parents expected to be his donors. Unfortunately, neither one of us is a match and we must now try to find Micah a kidney. There are over 100,000 people on the waiting list for a deceased kidney donor and time is not on our side. Some wait years; many die while waiting. However, there is the other option of receiving a kidney from a living donor. Asking you to consider donating a kidney to Micah is very difficult, but it will greatly improve his chances of getting a life-saving transplant.
If you are interested in seeing if you might be a suitable match with Micah, we would be happy to tell you more about his story and explore the process of donating a kidney. However, if living donation is not possible for you, you can still help! Please share Micah’s story and need for a kidney with everyone you know through social media, email, and word-of-mouth. We pray that with your help, we can find Micah a suitable kidney donor and give him the opportunity to live a complete and healthy life.
To be considered a donor for Micah, you must have a blood type O and be between the ages of 21-40. Please note that both O+ and O- are acceptable.
If you are interested in considering the possibility of being a donor for Micah, please contact us at info@4micah.com. We will put you in direct contact with the transplant team at Keck USC, who will be responsible for your evaluation and testing. This team of healthcare professionals will help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for your best interests. They will assist you personally and answer all your questions.
For more information, please check out Micah's website at 4micah.com.
To contact either of Micah’s parents, please contact: