Phight like Michael, second transplant

Hello PHight like Michael family!

First of all, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued prayers and support. Michael is doing excellent! His turnaround recovery time is exceptionally different from his first double lung transplant. On thursday, March 10th he was moved out of ICU into the step down unit. There he will have to complete a series of physical therapy goals. Once completed, he will be able to leave the hospital but will have to stay close, as he will need to continue his physical therapy.

We also wanted to let everyone know that KMBC 9 News (based out of KC), will be doing a follow-up story on Michael and his journey! The airing date will be announced as soon as we know.
Michael's donor (Danielle's) husband, Joe, will also be interviewed because of his choice to donate his wife's lungs directly to Michael. The number of direct donations in the United States is extremely rare.
So, this is great news because we are hoping to bring awareness to Michael's initial condition, Pulmonary Hypertension- as well as raise funds on his GoFundMe page. With your help, we can do this!

Since the station first aired Michael's story, he had around $17,000 donated to his GoFundMe. Those funds were going to be used for Michael's transplant, as well as provide any assistance he and his wife Miranda may need to survive. (Miranda is the only one able to work, and she has missed so many days to be there with Michael for dry runs, doctor's appointments, physical therapy, etc.) She now sits with him 24/7 at the hospital so he doesn't have to be alone. Covid restrictions only allow Miranda and our mother, Lisa, to be there with him.

Unfortunately, due to Michael's 12 dry runs (costing over $800 each time), physical therapy (Monday-Friday for months, at $45 a day), Doctor's appointments ($55 per visit), and other medical related expenses while he was listed, there is only about $2,000 left of that amount. The majority of the funds had to be spent before Michael even got his 2nd transplant.

Needless to say, there are still so many expenses yet to be covered. Co-pays must be paid for Michael to attend his check-ups and physical therapy. Not only are Michael and Miranda hoping to cover post-transplant medical and essential living expenses, but they wish to donate a good portion to his donor (Danielle's) husband Joe, to help with a memorial service. Danielle was the only one able to work, as her husband Joe is on disability (due to health conditions of his own).

What is amazing is that through all of this, Joe's support towards Michael's recovery has never wavered. Even while dealing with the devastating loss of his wife, he was adamant about checking in on Michael and sending all of his love and support. What a beautiful human being!

We will update everyone with the official airing date/channel for Michael's 2nd interview, and ask that you please share with your family and friends, by word of mouth/on social media.
Please remember that any amount donated helps, and is more appreciated than you could ever imagine. Prayers are equally as important... they are what have gotten Michael and us, his family, through these times!

Wishing you all the world's blessings and lives full of love, promise, and hope.
#PhightLikeMichael

-Chelsey Parker