SOUTHGATE, Mich. – The family of a Southgate man in need of a kidney transplant has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover travel costs as he works to get back on the transplant list after a medical setback.
Michael Watkins, 31, has been fighting kidney disease for more than a year and has been on dialysis since his diagnosis.
Watkins’ mother, Charmaine Mathews, said her son was removed from the Royal Oak Corewell kidney transplant list because of calcium buildup near the transplant area.
Mathews said Watkins is now pursuing placement on the University of Toledo kidney transplant list, where doctors have told the family that once he is listed, he could receive a kidney quickly.
In the meantime, Watkins is undergoing testing and following directions from his transplant team to address fluid around his heart.
Raising awareness about kidney donation
Local 4 previously shared Watkins’ story after Meadow Bar on Ecorse Road, which is owned by his family, set up a public board where people awaiting kidney transplants can post their blood type and contact information for their transplant center in hopes of connecting with potential living donors.
Watkins’ family planned a raffle to encourage people to sign up for evaluation as living donors, but Watkins urged them to think beyond his case.
Mathews said her son went from having a steady job to living on a fixed income after losing employer-provided insurance and switching to government insurance.
Watkins must also make frequent trips to Toledo, more than an hour each way, for tests and appointments in addition to dialysis three days a week.
GoFundMe donations will help cover gas, food, medical expenses, and hotel stays so Watkins can stay close to his transplant team and reduce travel.
What to know about living kidney donation in Michigan
Gift of Life Michigan says more than 2,700 people in Michigan are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and 86% are waiting for a kidney.
Living kidney donation can drastically shorten wait times for patients, and Michigan has protections aimed at ensuring there are no financial barriers for the donor.
Living donors may qualify for a $10,000 state tax credit for certain expenses, and health insurance companies can’t deny coverage because someone donated a kidney.
People can also sign up to become organ donors after death through Michigan’s donor registry.
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