Our own member, Mike Riemer is a Mt. Lebanon School Board member. He is also the current Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, and prior to that he was a Mt. Lebanon police officer. For more than 30 years, Mike has been fighting to keep our neighborhoods safe, and to help people in need throughout the South Hills and across Western PA. Now, Mike is fighting for his life.
M was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic illness that goes back at least four generations in his family. Doctors say a kidney transplant is necessary. If a donor isn’t found soon, Mike will begin regular dialysis treatments. This has been a difficult time for Mike, his wife Katie, and their two college-aged children. They’re all very worried about Mike’s health, and want nothing more than to see him well again.
Before his health began to decline, Mike enjoyed skiing and golfing, but the fatigue that accompanies his illness now limits his activities. He looks forward to a transplant that will allow him to be more active with his family and feel more productive again.
But right now, Mike needs your help!
The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.
What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others?
The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Michael. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for more than 30 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Michael with the financial support he desperately needs.
That’s why we’re holding a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Bower Hill Community Church. An all you can eat pasta dinner and concert, benefitting Mike Riemer’s Kidney Transplant Fund.
Tickets are being sold for the dinner in the following manner:
Children 5 and under – Free
Children ages 6 – 13 – $5 in advance, $6 at the door
Over age 13 – $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Menu includes:
Pasta with your choice of sauce
Salad
Bread
Beverages
Homemade desserts
There will also be live entertainment and basket raffles and a 50/50