For the past 3 years, Mike Stetzel’s name has appeared on the national donor list as a person in need of what could prove to be a life-saving kidney transplant. On Sunday, Stetzel was the focus of a powerful message at Mission Point Community Church, Winona Lake.

Mission Point Community Church Lead Pastor Kondo Simfukwe pleaded with the congregation to consider the incredible gift of donating a kidney to Stetzel. Simfukwe relayed, “Mike has to go to dialysis. If Mike stopped going to dialysis; stopped that weekly process, he would die in less than 30 days.”

Approximately five years ago, Stetzel started noticing some health concerns. After undergoing testing, he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a disorder causing clusters of cysts to develop primarily within the kidneys. StaceyPageOnline.com had the full story in December 2012. (See story)

The cysts, while noncancerous, contain water-like fluid and result in abdominal swelling. “My cysts are the size of volleyballs,” explained Stetzel, noting that the result of the swelling can and does cause nausea and discomfort. Additionally, it has affected his quality of life to the degree that he is no longer able to do common tasks like mow his lawn, ride a bicycle or even play with his children.

Shortly after our story appeared, the Stetzel family released a video that further explained the severity of Mike’s health. (See story and video)

At both services at Mission Point Community Church on Sunday, Simfukwe begged the congregation for help for Stetzel saying, “What a beautiful reflection of (God’s) love if we would be moved to do something so radical for our brother; one of our family. And so, we are making a radical, crazy request.”

In an effort to help Stetzel find a kidney donor, Pay Pro Media developed a Facebook page to raise awareness of the mission to find a life-saving donor. To date, the 1 Person 1 Kidney page has 1,828 “likes” and has resulted in some interest, but unfortunately no medical matches.

To inquire about kidney donation for Stetzel, call his donor coordinator, Kelly Coffee, at 800-382-4602. All calls are confidential.