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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Local teacher and swim teacher Rachelle Michalowski is hoping the power of social media can help her mother who is suffering from stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
Michalowski tells KDKA Radio a trip the hospital for her mother Mary Jo isn’t much of a big deal anymore after nine years of being in and out of medical facilities but last Wednesday was the breaking point for her.
“I’m tired of this, the fact that this is normal for us is not okay,” said Michalowski.
Michalowski says she learned about Kelly Sowatsky who successfully found a kidney for herself last year by holding a sign up at a couple Penguins games and decided she was going to try the same thing.
“I’m going to that game (last Thursday) and then I got quite a few calls, some attention from social media and then I went to the game Saturday with my twin brother and two friends and held up the signs again and I got even more attention on social media,” said Michalowski. “Since I am unable to donate to her myself, I thought that this was the next best thing so I’m going to stop at nothing. I’m not going to stop until she gets that kidney.”
Michalowski says the response has been overwhelming and she has encouraged everyone who has contacted her to help, even if they are not the correct blood type B-, because they may be able to help someone else.
“For the ones who are interested in donated to my mom . . . she’s going through (Allegheny General Hospital) so I basically just give them the contact information for them and it’s up to them to call and go from there and schedule a test.”
Michalowski says the easiest way you can see if you can help is visit AHN’s donor screening website.
Michalowski adds that the attention her sign has gotten has improved her mother’s attitude.
“I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time, she’s just full of hope and I’m glad.
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