Help Mickey Get New Lungs - CF

Michael "Mickey" Davis has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that effects primarily the lungs. Diagnosed at 3 years old, the constant infections caused by Cystic Fibrosis have deteriorated his lungs, leaving them scarred and extremely weak.  Currently his lung capacity is at 19% of what would be expected for a normal person of his size. Now at the age of 30, despite his best efforts, his doctors tell him he is in End-Stage Cystic Fibrosis, and in need of a double lung transplant.  Without one, Mickey might not survive his next infection or cold.

Luckily, with the University of Washington Medical Center nearby, his doctors have all agreed that he looks to be a very strong candidate for transplant!  Unfortunately, the cost of getting a lung transplant is high. In order to receive a lung transplant, Mickey needs to stay healthy long enough for a donor to become available.  He would greatly benefit from medical equipment that health insurance does not cover.  In order to get to his doctors' appointments and  the hospital when he gets "the call," he needs reliable transportation.  Once he receives a lung transplant, Mickey needs around-the-clock care for 3 months and anti-rejection medications for life. While insurance covers the medical procedure itself, these out of pocket costs cause much stress to Mickey when thinking of receiving this life-saving transplant.

Message from Mickey
Mickey writes: “I try not to let my disease define me. I like to write, and laugh with people, and I really value connection. Just having conversations for hours learning, and listening, and feeling the positivity that comes out of those interactions. If and when I get new lungs, I want to do comedy. I want to make people laugh and feel at the same time. Teach them that, you can be there for someone. That it doesn't take a lot. Maybe even just a smile to a stranger, or a simple phone call to a friend.”

Mickey's story
When I met Mickey, he was receiving treatment from Seattle Children's Hospital. The wonderful staff there became his family as he spent life in and out of the hospital throughout his younger years. During his Senior year prom, Mickey's doctor even tied his tie, and let him out of the hospital on a “pass” so that he could attend! Mickey made close friends with other Cystic Fibrosis patients, who tragically passed away from the volatile nature of this disease. 

Wanting to make his late-friends proud and never wanting his CF to hold him back, Mickey has worked as often as he could, volunteered with homeless youth, and followed many of his passions. However, eventually Mickey had to leave each job due to an exacerbation or infection in his lungs.  This has left him without any sort of a safey net or savings for a lung transplant.

Within the last two years, Mickey's health has declined rapidly. He has trouble walking without getting short of breath, and became unable to work due to his low stamina. Most of his time is spent fighting back. He administers his own IV antibiotics at home, performs Chest Phisiotherapy on himself, and strengthens himself with the help of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. 

How you can help
Mickey is a fighter, but he needs help with this battle. Mickey is often too proud to ask for financial help, so I am asking for him. Any contributions will go directly to helping provide care for Mickey, both before and after his lung transplant.  This includes out-of-pocket medical costs, costs for 3 month round-the-clock care, food to keep his weight up (approximately 4000 calories per day), and transportation.  

If you are not able to help out financially, we appreciate you reading this far and would ask that you consider sharing this post and becoming an organ donor if you are not already.

Lastly, a bit about me:  For those of you that don't know me, my name is Deanna and I am Mickey's ex-girlfriend turned best friend.  Mickey and I are both from the Seattle area. 
All proceeds that are being collected will be used on Mickey's behalf, to pay for the costs of medications, co-pays, food, transportation/parking for travel to/from the hospital, and around-the-clock care required for the months following his transplant. Mickey has access to the funds directly and I will oversee the withdrawal of funds to him.