True heros are hard to find

[George Roof]

There's been a lot of bull on this site, back biting, poking fun and sarcasm, but a very serious, in fact life threatening issue was taking place quietly behind the scenes making all this look like playground trash.

Many of you know Harry Paulson and those of you who don't need to know he's a founding member of the NTA and he is dying of kidney disease.  Sometime last year Harry called me and told me that he'd likely have less than a year to live as diabetes had destroyed his kidneys and because of his rare blood type, finding a donor for a kidney would be difficult.  He asked if I could help in ANY way, he'd appreciate it so I posted it here on the Taxidermy Net.

Many of you know that Michael P. discovered that he had the same blood type as Harry.  Though Michael was eager to help if he could, he knew that as a recovering alcoholic, he'd done his liver and kidneys no favors over the years.

Here's where it starts getting creepy and for you "non-believers" out there, you may want to stop reading.

Michael when to his doctor who mocked his intention.  He told Mike that he'd be a terrible donor since his organs were shot but he'd run the test.  When the initial tests came back, the doctor was astounded that Michael's liver and kidneys were actually better than a teetotaler.  Mike contacted Harry and then the torture began with tests after tests to find compatability. Everything was going along smoothly, too smoothly for those of us who knew what was going on, so it came down to a few weeks back.

Since Harry is in the northwest and the specialists are in Washington state, Michael was going to have to pass the final gauntlet of tests covering 6 full days. (Some of you thought he was a jet setter blowing his millions when in fact, Michael was treading water helping someone he'd never known. On a weekend break between being poked, prodded, and injected, Michael made the 10 hour drive over to PTLTannery with Shelby to do some contract work that many of you made cracks about.)  Yesterday, he and Harry got the news.  They're a perfect match.

Michael's not rich by any means and he's been offered a valuable contract helping Ray Hatfield in August so he was going to have to watch his pennies and hope to be able to work around those couple weeks in August.  When he asked the dreaded question: "When does it happen?" the answer took him off guard.  "Oh, we can't possibly fit you in any sooner than September 1. Will that work?" 

The strangeness only got worse.  He knew that he was going to have to stay within commute of the hospital for 2 weeks after the transplant, but he didn't want to bankrupt over $150 a night hotel rooms for that period. Miranda is the wizard of deal finding and got on the computer.  She found a condo for rent within 10 minutes of the hospital at a fraction of the price.  The only stipulation was that it was ONLY available for two weeks from August 30 to September 13 - the exact length of time Michael has to stay there.

Michael hasn't blabbed this to anyone and I'm breaking the news now because he doesn't want anyone to think he's anything special. He's certainly not "selling" his kidney but giving it to a dying man.  Michael feels that there's a reason his kidneys have stayed healthy and he's alive today because there was a purpose to be served and this is it.

Harry's son reports that Harry has changed overnight and he's enlivened by getting this chance to live a normal life again.

So now you all know the rest of the story.  Those of you who made catty remarks can no apologize for things you never knew and we can all be thankful that we have a selfless guy like Michael Schlabach who considers himself one of US. I sure hope we can all live up to being like HIM.

[Rebel]

all i can say is WOW
MP you are a hell of a guy 

[Randy Budzynski]

That is a wonderful thing Michael. I will be saying a prayer for Harry and Michael and God Bless.

[RDA]

A SALUTE   to MP!!!!!

[Brian Claar]

Mike has talked with me a few time about this, and I was amazed at the story, just like George wrote.  Thanks George for writing about it because Mike would have kicked my AZZ for saying anything.   It takes some kind of special person to give such an amazing gift and Mike you are special.   I sat back after talking to Mike last night and thought about it.  I'm sure I could do it for a family member or close friend but for someone I don't know.. well I just don't know if I would.   Way to go Mike.

It's been really weird because a very close friend of mine,  Mike Leighton just had a kidney transplant on Monday, which was a success.  His  Aunt donated one and it looks like everything is working just great.

[Kurt Rojemann]

Wow is about all I can say.  Very selfless.

MP and Mr. Paulson will be in our thoughts.

[BEAVERS]

Absolutly unbelievable.  Way to go Michael and best of luck to you and Harry.

[BVanKirk]

mike there are no words....

[Creepy-Crusty]

Michael called me with the good news several hours ago. What a wonderful thing for him to do!! I always knew he had a couple "spare parts" rattling around, but little did I know that it was his kidney. I was thinking it was just a couple of loose screws.   Way to go Michael! It makes me proud to call you my friend.

[Ken Edwards]

I always find myself shaking my head in amazement at Michael's actions. Sometimes in embarrassment. This time, with astonishment and admiration. God bless you, Michael.

[Lone Wolf Taxidermy]

Thank you for that report George....Is there anything we can do to help with the finances involved?

This is indeed a selfless act......God bless you Harry and Mike and God Speed in the recoveries.

[Wayne R]

Mike you are amazing. I chocked up reading this. Speedy recovery to both you and Harry.

[Brett D]

I have to say this is probably one of the most selfless acts a person can do

God Bless both of you!

[James Dalueg]

Very few would ever commit a selfless act such as this. Fewer yet would have stayed the course to see the end result. MP the only thing bigger than your balls is your Heart ! Best of health to both of you.

[Russ of V.O.W.T]

I have to say this is probably one of the most selfless acts a person can do

God Bless both of you!

x2 but i knew he was that kind of guy the minute we buddied up years back.  Even if he does cheat at the gokart track LOL  Mike, god bless and god speed on recovery for both you and harry.