Michael Blackwell Jr.

In 2005, Michael was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).  PKD is a genetic disease where clusters of cysts develop in the kidneys causing them to enlarge and cease functioning over time.  Some patients have a lot of pain from the cysts, and some have none.  Some patients progress fast, and some live long lives without ever really having any symptoms.  In June of 2019, Michael was hospitalized for a short time because some of his cysts burst, causing extreme pain.  At that point, his kidney function also dropped dramatically, and he was referred for transplant.

In September of 2019, Michael was officially approved for transplant, and the search for a donor began.  To our surprise, the person who came forward and matched with Michael was someone we met over 10 years ago while serving at Blue Skies Ministries.  She stepped out in faith and said, “As long as God opens the doors for me to donate, I will do so.”  She just kept moving through the matching process, one step at a time, and the confidence by which she completed it is truly inspiring.  We are grateful for her generosity and love.

Michael and his donor will undergo transplantation Friday the 31st of January at Piedmont Hospital.  Please pray for their protection, a successful surgery, and a speedy recover.  Moreover, thank God for our donor, her family and her love for God and others.