MISH TEICHNER

GOOD NEWS! Mish received a transplant on January 22, 2014 and is doing well!

 

Hello, everyone!

 

My name is Michelle, but I go by my nickname, Mish. I’m 48 years old and live in Phoenix, Arizona. A little about me: I have the most wonderful stepdaughter, Meagan, and many nieces and nephews with whom I enjoy spending time. I love playing with my two poodles, Danny Boy and Sligo, singing in a women’s choir, swimming, and basketball. 

 

About 17 years ago, medication toxicity caused my kidneys to fail, and my father donated a kidney to me. I will always be grateful--not only for the transplant itself, but also for the fact that the kidney remained healthy for 17 years. As is sometimes the case, my transplanted kidney began failing, and in 2011, I was placed on the transplant waiting list. 

 

Early in 2012, complete kidney failure forced me to take disability leave from my job as an 8th-12th grade math teacher and school librarian. I’ve been on dialysis three times weekly ever since. Although dialysis limits my activities, I volunteer for various community events, participate in fundraising for the National Kidney Foundation, and coach school and community basketball teams.

 

At the time my transplanted kidney failed, I was in the process of becoming a foster parent. Unfortunately, that dream is now on hold until I receive another transplant. My hope is that someone will give me the gift of life soon so that I can give the gift of a loving home to a child. 

 

I came very close to finding a donor on two occasions. A close friend was tested and found to be compatible. However, her spouse became severely ill, prohibiting her from donating. Another friend then stepped forward but developed a medical condition that made donation impossible. These events were disappointing, but I remain optimistic that someone will come forward to help me.

 

I have type A blood, but because my transplant center participates in paired donation, anyone of any blood type can donate. My insurance covers all medical expenses, and a person does not have to live in Arizona to donate.

 

If you are interested in being tested to see if you are a match for me, please call the living-donor coordinator, Winnie, at Banner, Good Samaritan Medical Center at 1-800-554-1923 or 602-839-0210.

 

If you would like to follow my journey or send me a message, you may do so by going to my Facebook page: Find a Kidney for Mish Teichner.

 

Thank you for reading my story and for considering donating to me. With your help, I hope to get back to work and pursue my dream of becoming a foster parent. I look forward to that!

 

                                                                Mish Teichner

 

 

UPDATE: Mish has had five people go through testing and pass each one, but for numerous reasons, none could donate. Although this is is very disappointing, we keep moving forward. We would appreciate your sharing Mish's page and helping us with positive thoughts. Mish is very weak and cannot handle dialysis much longer. Thank you.

 

 

                   Wonderful times with my friends!