Mike's New Lease On Life: Rare Triple-Organ Transplant

"This experience with my dad and getting his new organs has definitely impacted my life. I was in the car driving when he got the call and immediately felt sick to my stomach. The thought of possibly losing my dad hurt more than I can describe. My dad has always connected with me in a way no one else can. When I’m having a bad day, he always knows what to say to calm me down. The days of his transplants, the whole world felt quieter. It was the weirdest feeling. I am extremely happy his surgeries were successful, and that I still have my dad today." - Daughter Emily, 16.

"Ever since my dad got the call for his organs, things have been very stressful. Moving from house to house and different people staying with my sister and I. Emily, my dad, and I were driving in the car, and my dad got a call. I thought it was just a typical call, but no. At first, I was very nervous. As we drove home, my "what ifs" flooded in. Questions. "What if this is the last time I see him?" Then they left. This broke my heart. I wish my they didn't have to go. I was bawling my eyes out. And now I'm still a bit weary, but he is doing well. Overall, it was just a rush of emotions. It is a miracle that my dad got a heart, lung, and kidney. I am so happy he is okay!" - Daughter Vanessa, 10.

My name is Dan Loven, and I am Mike's older brother. Mike recently had an incredibly rare heart/lung/kidney transplant at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. According to an August 2023

article published by the Mayo Clinic, this type of triple-organ transplant had only been performed 46 times in the United States since 1989.

On October 1st, he received a heart and two lungs; the next day, he received a new kidney. He is recovering well but is still hospitalized. After his discharge from Mayo, he will need to stay in Rochester for a couple of months for follow-up care.

Mike's medical insurance will be helpful, but other expenses will add up quickly.

Mike is a loving husband to his wife Lisa, and father of two daughters - Emily and Vanessa. Emily is 16; she just got her drivers license and is on the Coon Rapids High School swim team. Vanessa is 10; she earned her Black Belt in TaeKwonDo a few months back. Mike and his family have lived in Coon Rapids, Minnesota for the past 17 years.

Mike has dealt with heart issues his entire life and has had several corrective surgeries, but last fall his kidneys failed due to a poly-cystic condition, and he had to start dialysis. It was during this time that doctors at the University of Minnesota informed him of the need for a new heart and kidney. After a transfer to Mayo just after Christmas, Mike was told that he would need new lungs, as well.

After nine months on the transplant waiting list, Mike got a call from Mayo on September 30th informing him that an organ donor had become available. He and Lisa rushed to Rochester that evening, and the heart and lung transplants started the next morning. This surgery lasted about 15 hours. The next morning, in a six-hour surgery, the new kidney went in.

All of the organs have been functioning well right from the start, but the recovery has been and will continue to be difficult. Once he is discharged from the hospital, Mike will need to stay in Rochester for a couple of months at a recovery facility for transplant patients. A caregiver will need to stay with him during this recovery time. Our hope is for him to be home for Christmas!

We all - Mike, Lisa, Emily, Vanessa, Mike's dad Wally, and myself - are so thankful for all of the positive thoughts, prayers and well wishes that have been received over the past several months, and especially since the surgeries. Thank you!

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As Mike navigates his recovery, his family faces significant medical expenses, everyday bills, and uncertain financial times. That's where you come in.

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