Help Michael: Eviction Prevention & Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Vanessa Barrios and I am raising funds to aid my friend Michael Soria. Although Michael started off as my retail manager at American Eagle Outfitters in 2008, our friendship as evolved beyond the bounds of the mall. He is the ultimate friend.

 In 2016, Michael was diagnosed with nephropathy (kidney disease) and has since loss function of both of his kidneys. Since 2017, he has been on dialysis while actively working two jobs to keep up with rent and to stay on top of medical bills. Through the covid-19 pandemic, Michael endured a multi-modal commute (bike, bus, and BART) from Oakland to San Francisco to go to dialysis and work at a grocery store as an essential worker.

Despite all his efforts, the Universe and the US healthcare system has done him dirty. He hoped that his stay on the kidney donor waiting list would be short and that he would be able to get his health and finances in order but that hasn’t been the case. In the last month, health emergencies related to his failing kidneys landed him in the hospital for two weeks which lead him to lose his job and his health insurance.

And of course, the rent was due yesterday.

My main goal for this gofundme is to raise funds for his rent and mounting medical bills. This would ensure that Michael doesnt lose his apartment and is able to continue dialysis until he is off the kidney waiting list. Any little bit helps!