2015 and Back in ER and ICU and working on solution

Over the years Mike has had his issues with infection, pleurisy, fever and exhaustion but for almost 99% of the time he has kept going, teaching, writing, curating and living fully. We are the lucky ones because the new kidney...Amy's kidney worked amazingly. But, as with any health situation there are issues and we are now dealing with a big one.

Mike is in this loop where his old kidneys, the two they left inside of him, are infected and full of cysts from the polycystic kidney disease. They are now infecting his blood which is causing fever and other issues. He was in ICU for four days and is now resting at home. He is without fever today which is what we are trying to sustain.

Some doctors are saying take the old kidneys out and end infection. But other doctors think his new kidney may fail during the surgery which is very invasive. But, if the old kidneys stay the infection can continue and hurt him in other ways. The loop is where we are right now.

We are taking it one day at a time and keeping optimistic that a best solution will be found for Mike.

Mike is a fighter and this is nothing new. He has been fighting this for the past 15 plus years. So, as expected health challenged occur and we are take them on full tilt.

Thank you for your love and support.
Andrea

Into 2013 and all is well

Just wanted to check in. Its been another long break since I have entered updates regarding Mikes transplant. Mike and Amy are doing really well. We just celebrated our 5 year anniversary of the transplant on the 8th of June.

We are so fortunate and everyday we value the great gift of science and the donation Amy made to help Mike.

We all continue to participate in the Donate Life events and this years event at CSUF was wonderful.

Thank to all for your support over the years and best of luck to those facing what we faced over 5 years ago!!!

Love, Andrea

It's been awhile since I have posted on the site.

News from Mike and Amy on the health front... They are both doing really well.
They are work out buddies and both are is great physical shape.

News in the world of kidney transplantation....

Three of our friends over the last year have received SUCCESSFUL kidney transplants.

Six weeks ago my friend of many years donated her kidney to her younger sister. It was a great event and both are doing really well in their recovery. Stanford was the hospital and from what I hear they were treated with excellent care.

Note:
There was an article posted recently in the news about the fact that many kidneys that are made available for donation are never used. There have been issues with the the antiquated computer systems used to route the new kidneys to potential recipients. Not sure of the entire scoop on this but if anyone has solid information please get in touch and fill me in. Maybe there is a way we can help get this fixed so that many more people will receive a life saving gift.
andreaharris1@me.com

Thanks and all the best to you!

Donate Life Walk is this Saturday at CSUF
April 28, 2012

Please Join us and support this amazing cause!!!!!

2010 is here!

These images I shot in our back yard on the night of New Years day! Magic!

Happy New Years to you all! Also just a little bit of extra good news. Our friend Denis after 7 or 8 years on the kidney transplant waiting list finally was moved to number one and received a kidney a couple weeks ago in San Diego. He is recovering well and we are so happy for him and for his family. We are also thankful for the donor!

Mike is headed to India for a month

Mike has been doing great with his recover and his numbers are beyond good. We are so happy for him. I think he needs to get away and get back to his love of travel. He has been invited to be a guest artists/ scholar in New Delhi for a month. He leaves in three days and will be in Chicago on route to India. We are all very excited for him.

While he is gone I will be redoing the house. Painting bedrooms and organizing stuff. Part of my New Years Resolution. Alex and I will miss Mike but it will be great for him and we will ge to hear all the amazing stories when he returns.

Yet another new chapter in the book of our lives! Will be updating you with images as I get them from him.

Happy 2010!!!!!

Amy and Bob Pece film featured at GCAC

Come join us August 1st at Grand Central Art Center for the Erase Stigma exhibition. Amy Caterina and Bob Pece have a great series of interviews on film that are featured. 

Amy is doing really well and is back to making art full tilt. Hope to see you at the exhibition

125 N. Broadway

Santa Ana, CA 92701

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