Mike McGee (R) with Mat Gleason at Grand Central Art Center, Santa Ana, California, June 2006.
From: “Andrea Harris” aharris @ exchange. Fullerton . edu
Dear Mat,
I just wanted share the following update with you. I am not sure if you knew this but Mike has kidney failure from a genetic disease called polycystic kidney disease. He has been fighting it for some time and his condition is getting worse. We are looking to all our friends to spread the word about Mike and our search for a kidney donor.
Mike has found it difficult to believe this is all happening to him. He is such a healthy person that it has been just unimaginable to see this disease progress. But it is happening and I am trying to get the word out to help him.
If you know anyone who is and O blood type or A type 2 (only 20% of A’s are type 2) who would be interested in helping Mike by donating a kidney to him please get in touch. We need to find a living donor for him in the next few months. He starts dialysis at Saint Josephs Hospital in two months and we hope he will not be on this very long. His doctors have told us he will only make it with a living donor with a compatible blood type. Mike is O.
I have already been tested and was not compatible. We have three other friends who are being tested in the next week. We are keeping our hopes up that someone comes forward and is a match for him. This is a gift of life for him.
Pass this around and thank you for your help. You can direct people who might be interested in helping Mike to me as I can send information on getting tested as a potential donor.
All the best, Andrea
(71 4) 812-6 678