The Generosity of the Michigan Community - Kidney Donation
On May 21, 2019, I told you guys about my father-in-law and his search for a kidney donor. I asked you to share our Facebook page and get the word out the best you could.
Shortly after I posted here, I started blanketing Twitter with the same message. I was asking every influencer I could think of to Tweet out the ask with the hope that some incredibly generous soul would see the Tweet and help Ed as he stared down a lifetime of dialysis (as an FYI, he is on dialysis now).
One of the influencers I reached out to was Ace Anbender, who many of you know reached out to the Michigan community about his own health problems and was overwhelmed by its generosity. Ace retweeted the Facebook link and said "I've learned never to underestimate the Michigan community, so let's see if there's someone out there..."
Well, this incredible fanbase that has won every single EDSBS Charity Bowl and constantly strives to embody "The Leaders and Best" came through once again....
Dave Heal, who has never met my father-in-law, responded to the Tweet, filled out the donation form, and will be giving Ed a kidney in December. As Ace so eloquently put it, "um, y'all, holy shit"
Holy shit indeed. I'm in complete awe of Dave's generosity and I'm still in disbelief that this is happening. Again, Dave has never met Ed (or anybody in our family for that matter), but he went through over a year of testing and trips to the hospital to help my father-in-law live his best life. If that's not being a Leader and the Best, I don't know what is.
Thank you for everything Dave (thank you, thank you, thank you, ad infinitum) and thank you to the Michigan community for once again proving that this east coast kid chose the right school for his graduate studies. Go Blue!
October 19th, 2020 at 8:57 PM ^
This is awesome
October 19th, 2020 at 9:15 PM ^
Wow, that is fantastic!
Extremely happy for your father-in-law, also for you and everyone in your family. Keep us posted as the date of the surgery approaches in December so we can keep your father-in-law in our prayers and good thoughts.
Also, a shout-out to Ace for his role in the search for a donor, and to everyone else who played a part in the overall plan.
October 20th, 2020 at 9:50 AM ^
Will do. Thank you!
October 19th, 2020 at 9:20 PM ^
I have no words. What an amazing story about the incredible wealth of compassion that still exists in this world. Dave Heal is a hero and legend. Nothing but best wishes for your father-in-law's health moving forward.
October 19th, 2020 at 9:22 PM ^
Go Blue!
October 19th, 2020 at 9:31 PM ^
Awesome. Just awesome.
October 19th, 2020 at 9:42 PM ^
God bless.
I had a tear here.
Sometimes humanity's empathy for our fellow human shows us - - our greatest love for ourselves starts with our love for others. I hope & pray everything works out and a long lifetime to both involved.
Go Blue.
October 19th, 2020 at 9:44 PM ^
Awesome news. My wife’s kidneys failed and she listed in Mich and another state. After 5 years of dialysis an anonymous donor in that state was found as a perfect match. I mean this guy, whom we have met since, just decided to give one to whoever needs it. Mind blowing.
October 19th, 2020 at 10:28 PM ^
Dave Heal. Name fits. Go Blue!
October 19th, 2020 at 10:30 PM ^
My wife (BSN 1981) donated a kidney in August at UM hospital. She was an “altruistic donor”, so she does not know to whom she donated. When that occurs, it can (and did) trigger a chain of donations among paired donors and recipients - her donee had a willing paired donor who was not a match but who then donated to someone else, whose paired donor donated to someone else, etc. Pretty damn cool.
Yes, she is a much better person than I. And a wonderful Michigan alumna and mom.
October 20th, 2020 at 8:42 AM ^
The whole 'paired donor' thing is an awesome creation! About two years ago, one of my wife's cousins caught a case of E-coli, which destroyed his kidney function. His mom (my wife's aunt) wasn't a match, but was able to donate anyway when a match was found. Her kidney saved someone else. The program greatly increases the size of the donor pool, so more people can be helped, quicker. And if I'm not mistaken, it also triggers some insurance discounts for the whole procedure (although, who am I kidding - the cost of such a treatment plan remains staggering).
EastCoast - congrats to your FIL, and many hopes for a long and fun life!
And to Dave Heal - I suspect your kidney may be paired with one that someone you know needs, so I hope the best to that person, as well! Nonetheless, donating a live organ is an awesome thing to do!
October 20th, 2020 at 9:52 AM ^
In this case, it will be Dave's kidney in Ed's body. No pairing. Much of the testing that Dave did was to ensure that he was a good match for Ed.
October 20th, 2020 at 9:52 AM ^
Your wife deserves sainthood.
October 19th, 2020 at 10:57 PM ^
What a blessing! Thank you to Dave and all the members of the most amazing, University of Michigan, Alumni, and fans on the whole planet! I am now one half year away from 20 years as a recipient of a living family donated kidney success story!!! I love my Mother she has basically given me three kidneys! I could never pay her back for all the LOVE!!! Go Dave, Your Father, and as always, GO BLUE!!!
October 20th, 2020 at 12:04 AM ^
That is incredible and awesome. Here’s hoping for a long and healthy life for both your father in law and his kidney donor.
My sister had a kidney transplant 24 years ago, and is still healthy with very few complications from the transplant. It’s an amazing gift.
October 20th, 2020 at 12:14 AM ^
WOW, just Wow. Dave you are an amazingly selfless human being. May you be blessed.
October 20th, 2020 at 3:25 AM ^
This made me teary! Thank you Dave Heal!!! Good luck Ed!!!
This story hit very close to home, my GFR was 86 at the beginning of the year... last week it was 41 meaning my kidneys are working at 41% (and dropping quickly). At 52, I have been healthy otherwise.. no diabetes or hypertension, workout, meditate, take my supplements etc. Just called today to set up my Nephrologist appointment. At this rate I'll be on dialysis myself this time next year. (3 times a week for 4 hours). One day of feeling sad, and then realized what an incredibly lucky life I have lived so far! As I'm so fond of saying, we ALL have our own cross to bear.
My other motto: Be Humble, Be Grateful, Be Compassionate
": Never take good health for granted.
October 20th, 2020 at 9:55 AM ^
If you want any help / advice, hit me up at [email protected].
October 20th, 2020 at 11:06 AM ^
Also you can message me also I have a little bit of knowledge I did peritoneal dialysis for about 3 years or so and like I said my kidney transplant will be 20 years of success July of 21’. Please take good care of yourself and I’ll definitely say a prayer for your healing and successful surgery when and if you need to have it!
October 20th, 2020 at 6:15 AM ^
In the world we live in, it is sometimes easy to forget that there are people of good character and extreme kindness in it. Thank you.
You know that thing you guys do, that "Trusted Friends and Agents of the Week" or whatever it's called? I nominate Dave Heal as "Trusted Friend of the Year."
I know that's not a thing, but maybe it should be.
October 20th, 2020 at 9:53 AM ^
YES. I'd love that. Dave for TFOY!
October 20th, 2020 at 6:37 AM ^
Go Blue indeed! Amazing story and thank you to Dave for that amazing donation. Hope the transplant goes seamlessly and both men are able to enjoy many many more years of joy and happiness
October 20th, 2020 at 8:32 AM ^
Cool above all coolness! Hope the surgery goes well and God's healing grace goes with both the donor and the donee.
God is good. Prayers for your family and the doctors.
October 20th, 2020 at 8:40 AM ^
#BRINGBACKOPPONENTWATCH
October 20th, 2020 at 11:05 AM ^
Leaders and the Best, not just a saying around here... Incredible story, all the best everyone involved
October 20th, 2020 at 2:50 PM ^
Dr. Joseph Murray performed the first kidney (any organ) transplant in 1954 between identical twins. (It's Nobel announcement season, and he won in 1990). Of course, the discovery of immunosuppressive medications made wide-spread transplantation possible.
October 21st, 2020 at 2:05 PM ^
FYI My wife (Ed's daughter) has read the thread and she truly appreciates all the positivity and well wishes. Thank you all again.