Michael Gray St. Augustine, Florida

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A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.
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Mike is 22 years post transplant. Many issues still surfacing. Medication and therapies needed.

$144,743

raised by 137 people

$175,000 goal

Update #2

Update posted 4 months ago

2023 Update on Michael added in the general information and also below.  

 In 2023 Mike has been in ER 3 times.  He fell and broke a rib in his back, and he fell a few month later and broke his left wrist.  He was in a cast for 6 weeks and had physical therapy for 7 weeks.  Just 2 months ago he fell and landed on his back.  He could not move or speak or open his eyes.  We believe it was a TIA.  He was whisked off to the ER where he recovered slowly as his speech and sight came back and he was released.  He has short term memory loss from the ammonia build up in his brain because his liver cannot detox toxins properly.  This is the greatest malady as he struggles to read and remember what he has read or said.  He is a trooper though that continually sings to the Lord and remains thankful for all the blessings he has.

Michael Gray

In 1991, while working to obtain his master's degree, Mike became extremely ill and weak. Despite his illness, he pushed forward and graduated with an MA in nonprofit management from Regent University. He was even voted valedictorian!  After undergoing multiple tests, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease. Doctors said a liver transplant was critical to his survival. 

Fortunately, a co-worker and fellow Regent University graduate, donated a portion of his own liver to save Mike's life in 2001. The Gray family is forever grateful to Tom, who risked his life to save Mike's.

It is hard to believe that it was 22 years ago that Mike had his transplant.  
Aaron was 13 years old.  Mike is extremely thankful for the twenty two years he has been  given through his transplant. There have been many health struggles, ER visits and hospitalizations, but Mike was able to have a few good years before issues began to show up again.  

2020 was difficult,  2021 was a struggle and 2023 has been the hardest year yet for Mike. He has severe exhaustion that keeps him from doing all the physical activities he loves, such as gardening, walking, going to the beach.  Mike has stage 4 cirrhosis and suffers many ill effects from post transplant medications.  Doctor visits and medication changes are numerous.

 In 2023 Mike has been in ER 3 times.  He fell and broke a rib in his back, and he fell a few month later and broke his left wrist.  He was in a cast for 6 weeks and had physical therapy for 7 weeks.  Just 2 months ago he fell and landed on his back.  He could not move or speak or open his eyes.  We believe it was a TIA.  He was whisked off to the ER where he recovered slowly as his speech and sight came back and he was released.  He has short term memory loss from the ammonia build up in his brain because his liver cannot detox toxins properly.  This is the greatest malady as he struggles to read and remember what he has read or said.  He is a trooper though that continually sings to the Lord and remains thankful for all the blessings he has.

We are often challenged with finances, but the Lord has been faithful along with our family and friends .Over the past twenty years, $134,768 has been donated to help with expenses not covered by insurance.  That averages out to about $6700 per year.  These donations have carried us through, allowed us to stay in our home and get the help Mike needs. 

Fortunately, the National Foundation for Transplants will cover expenses through donations made in Mike's honor. The out-of-pocket expenses range from $800 to $1000.00 per month, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. Because of his declining health, Mike is unable to work, adding to his financial strain.

We are thankful for everyone who has had a part in helping with finances, which has helped so much to alleviate stress. We are especially thankful to everyone who has prayed, and is praying, for Mike's health and well being. 


You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Mike. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Florida Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Mike Gray" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute:   Mayo Clinic in Florida 

This fundraiser supports

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National Foundation for Transplants, Inc.

Organized By Michael Gray

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