My Name is Mike, and I am in need of a kidney.  Here is my story. .........

I have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). It  is a genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and impaired function. My father had it, he died at 60 due to unrelated issues. My grandfather had it and passed away due to complications caused by the disease, soon after my father was born. I knew I had it when I was about 40. I have been able to keep issues at bay by keeping a watchful lifestyle all these years, but time has caught up to me. 

My kidney function is now at around 15% and dropping, something will need to be done soon due to the severe loss of function.  

Some Symptoms I Experience Caused by Kidney Failure: Abdominal pain, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, increased urination at night, bloated belly due to kidney enlargement, headaches, fatigue, cramping, diverticula,  anemia, heart valve issues, and body swelling. 

Management: There's no cure for PKD, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, including medications, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, kidney transplantation or dialysis. Both dialysis and transplant have pros and cons. Dialysis means a lot of time hooked to a machine, a lot of medications, and often times a lot of hospital visits and emergencies in an effort to keep the body filtering enough to prevent death. Transplant will involve surgery and a lifetime of drugs to reduce organ rejection, but offers a more normal lifestyle. I would like to choose the latter. 

About Me:

Born to a military family, I'm a 20 year veteran of the USAF myself. My entire career was dedicated to Avionic support of the U-2 and SR-71 aircraft programs, mostly in CA. It was where I would meet my beautiful wife and share a happy life with. I traveled to several locations around the world in support of these aircraft, and towards the end of my career I served in the Logistics Division where I assisted sustaining old systems and developing new ones. My most important effort was in the upgrade to the glass cockpit in the U-2 which replaced the ancient dials and indicators for the pilot. 

While working in the Logistics Division I also used my computer art skills to develop many logos for functions and fundraisers. My most memorable were the logos for the, U-2 Dragon Lady, the 50th U-2 Anniversary,  and the ISR unit logo, as shown below. The Dragon Lady (Dragon) design has been "borrowed" by companies and individuals that have used it on many different documents and commemorative items. The popularity of this one design has truly amazed me and makes me smile every time I see it. The ISR Eagle logo has become the unit logo, which is now displayed over the top of the entrance into the facility where I served my last active years and retired from. 

I continue to attempt to be creative. I love being around cars and most anything with engines. I have loved the Chevy SSR truck since it was in it's design phase and have owned 3 over the years. I enjoy helping owners in the US and abroad with the knowledge and repair skills I have developed over the years. I attend many of the SSR gatherings around the US and enjoy making new friends, and seeing old ones, as often as I can.  

I've enjoyed my life, and I have more to give, share, and love. Dialysis is not the end of life, but it is a hard road for many and is often accompanied with many complications. Life expectancy on dialysis is shortened for many people due to various things. I do not know how my body and mind will react to dialysis, but I do know that getting a kidney is much more preferred over dialysis and will extend my life and it's quality. I have never had any surgery, the doctors seem amazed by that, but I would like to proceed with this surgery and add a few more good years to my life. 

Please help if you can, if not with a kidney, a wish or a prayer would be appreciated too. Thank you for reading my story.

Things to know - 

1. There is no cost to you as a kidney donor!!! All fees are paid by insurance of the recipient.  

2. You will function normally with one kidney. Should something happen in the future that requires you to get a  kidney, you will be expedited  in the transplant list since you had donated one. 

3. I am blood type B+, but does Blood Type Matter? - Sort of, but it's not the main consideration in finding a match. You can donate to me even if incompatible, and the kidney program will locate a kidney that matches me more directly. Your kidney will help someone else in need and I get one that someone else has offered. If you're willing to donate, please don't let blood type hold you back. 

4. Things that will cause you not to be considered a donor - obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infections, history of cancer, lifestyle (heavy smoking, drinking, or alcohol use), or surgical/organ issues found during the evaluation process.  

To start the evaluation process - 

If you would like to donate a kidney to me, my name is Michael Polenske, and I am currently listed with Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. To start the evaluation process please go to this link  -    emorylivingdonor.org/ 

Please consider sharing this website on your own site or social media to help spread awareness and visibility. 

Thank you.