Transplant Type - Heart

Michael was born with an undeveloped tricuspid on the lower right side of his heart. At just four days old he received his first heart catheter, and at 10 months old he underwent his first open-heart surgery. When he was two years old, the first of many pacemakers was implanted. Even with these challenges, Michael was able have a relatively normal life as a child, aside from the fact that he was unable to play sports like the rest of the boys his age.

Sadly, in 1994, he began experiencing shortness of breath and learned his heart was enlarged. With tears in his eyes, Michael's cardiologist told him he needed a heart transplant to survive. Michael was only 17. Thankfully, he received a heart transplant in 1995 and lived a healthy, active life for 14 years. Recently Michael learned veins around his heart were closed off and no longer working properly. He is currently undergoing evaluations for a second heart transplant.

Despite his health issues, Michael remains positive about his life and is hopeful for a long, happy future with his soon-to-be wife, Anne. He loves his work as a youth pastor, and hopes to continue working with the young people in his church until his health forces him to stop. He wants nothing more than to feel healthy again. But he needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $775,000. And that's only the beginning. Michael faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

You can help.
To make a donation to NFT in honor of Michael, click the link below his photo. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Oklahoma Heart Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Michael Geurin" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Integris Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute