Michael Burke

LIVING Kidney DONOR NEEDED

Michael Burke Needs a New Kidney!!!

My name is Michael Burke. I was a Firefighter/EMT/Assistant Fire Chief for 36 years at Atlantic City International Airport ARFF. Also a member of IAFF for 23 years and 4 years IAFF Alumni. I retired Oct 2016. I also worked part time for Atlantic County Harley-Davidson in Sales Dept. specializing in Police Bike Sales for 18 years. I'm marriage to Cindy and I have 1 daughter, 3 step sons, 3 grandchildren. I am hoping for more grandkids that will call me Grandpop or G-Pop. I was diagnosis with Stage 5 Kidney Failure in Oct 2019. My wife and I are full time RV traveling. This was our retirement dream and have been on the road for only 2.5 years. While traveling my General Practitioner from NJ referred me to a Kidney Specialist when we get to our winter destination - Phoenix, AZ. I was taken by surprise when told that I had Stage 5 Kidney failure and that both of my kidneys are failing. We needed to postpone travel and stay in Phoenix to start the process of being placed on a transplant list. The process took longer than normal due to COVID and stay a home orders. With that said, 9 months later I was approved on the kidney transplant list at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix. After being placed on the kidney transplant list, we decided to head back to the east coast. This would allow us to be closer to family. I am currently working with John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Md. and Tampa General Hospital in Tampa Fl. to get approved on their transplant list for a new kidney. The bottom line is I need a Kidney ASAP, as my body is fighting hard to keep me off dialysis. We have stopped all traveling to attend to my medical needs.

The medical appointments and lab work requirement to stay on a kidney transplant list, have reduced RV travel. There are days that are better than others but generally my overall energy level has been reduced. Kidney failure effects your entire body, how you feel and process everyday tasks. The simple things that we tend to take for granted when they work as they should. My diet has been changed forever as items I am so used to eating has to be removed or reduced. I am now that person at the restaurant that has to ask the 50 questions on how an entrée is prepared. Kidney failure even changes how some food taste. The current time for a deceased donor is 3-7 years. The gift of receiving a donation of a living kidney would allow me quality time with my family and grandkids during my prime senior time.

I'm looking for a Living Donor. If you could share my story with family members, friends, co-workers and any groups or associations. If you or someone you know is interested in being a living donor, you can call any of the following numbers and talk to my transplant donor coordinator. There are several types of transplant programs. You don't have to have the same blood type to be donor. The transplant team will coordinate the transplant process. All of your bills will be paid for by My Insurance company. There is no money out of your pocket!
John Hopkins Kidney Hospital 1-410-614-9345 Transplant Coordinator, Baltimore, MD
Tampa General Hospital 1-813-844-8686 Transplant Coordinator, Tampa, Florida
Banner University Medical Center -602-521-5892 Transplant Coordinator, Phoenix, Az.

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