Mike Savoia — Kidney Search Foundation

Who Am I?

I am a retired dentist who practiced in Florida for 30 years taking care of my patients to the best of my ability. I have provided extensive volunteer dentistry to the poor and uninsured in both Florida and South Carolina. I have a wife of 30 years, three cats (Bailey, Mia, and Mollie) and a rescue dog named Parker. My two children are deceased, so they are not a living donor option. My only sibling is a type 2 diabetic, so he is not a living kidney donor candidate. Life has been a beautiful journey, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. However, I have been battling kidney disease since age 30, disrupting the very fabric of my existence. I am currently at stage 4 kidney disease and just had my fistula surgery in preparation for hemodialysis. I hope and pray that I can find a living donor soon, so I don't need to be on dialysis for a long time. A living donor early on gives me the best chance to live a longer normal life. I'm not one to shy away from difficult conversations, and I firmly believe in confronting adversity head-on. That's why I'm here and asking for your help. I need a kidney transplant to continue living the life I hold so dear.

If you've ever considered organ donation, I’m asking you to contemplate the profound impact your generosity could have on my life and the lives of those who love me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message and for considering how you might make a difference in my life. Together, we can transform this challenge into an opportunity for triumph and renewal.

My Interests:

I enjoy fishing in Florida, Mexico, and Costa Rica but unable to do these trips any longer. Love to work on and ride my E-Bike, walk on the beach, read, spend time with my wife, three cats and my rescue dog Parker. I also love to volunteer at our local animal rescue and adoption facility. I am a member of my local church and attend a Group Bible Study each week. I try to live my life in appreciation for the grace and salvation that the LORD Jesus Christ has provided. I would love to travel the USA to visit all our National Parks and travel to many countries in Europe. Unfortunately, I don't feel well enough to make these journeys! I love both pro and college football (GO TAMPA BAY) and professional ice hockey.

My Diagnosis:

I was diagnosed with late onset type 1 Diabetes at the age of 30. My kidneys have managed to keep me alive for 38 years since then. I will be starting dialysis soon and am currently working to get on the transplant list at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida and the Memorial Transplant Institute in Hollywood, Florida.

How A Kidney Transplant Will Affect My Life:

A transplant will allow me to have more energy to continue doing the things I love. Spending time with my wife and pets, fishing, traveling, as well as being more active with friends and family. I will also be able to continue to offer free dental services to the poor, homeless, and uninsured. Getting a kidney transplant will allow me to live a more normal life with greater energy to do the things that I love!