Mike Pollard is facing a 4-organ transplant, due to the effects of Hollow Viscous Myopathy. Mike was diagnosed with this disease nearly 2 years ago. The disease causes the muscles of the digestive system to degenerate and cease functioning. Kept alive by TPN (intravenous feedings) for the last 19 months, Mike now must have a 4 organ transplant to stop the effects of long term TPN from damaging further organs.

   A transplant team at the University of Pittsburgh will be performing the surgery. When the organs become available, Mike will have a very short window of time (approximately 5 hours) to get to Pittsburgh and be admitted for the surgery. A committee, headed by Tim Preston, has been formed and is working on flight arrangements, fundraisers and other arrangements needing to be made to help Mike with the major expenses he will incur.

   Mike, the son of Frank and Martha Pollard, is a 40-year-old father of 5 children. He resides in Burley, Idaho and is married to Tammi Pollard, daughter of Sib and Melba Morley. He is employed and works full time. He is determined not to let this stop him from living, although it puts him to bed most nights at 6:30 p.m. At one point, he was told to go home and put his affairs in order because this was a terminal illness and it would eventually kill him. The chance of a transplant has instilled new hope for Mike and his family.

   Mike's insurance benefit has a lifetime cap, which will be quickly reached with all the medical expenses he has incurred thus far, and all those he will yet incur. Anyone wanting to help can contact the committee's volunteer coordinator, Terri Smith at 208-678-2041 or the fundraiser chairs, Fuzz and Julene Thurston at 208-678-8435 (home) 436-4658 (work).

   Fundraisers will be posted on this web site, and advertised in local papers. Donations may be made in Mike Pollard's name at any First Federal Bank. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.

Our Thanks go to ...

Checks should be made out to the Mike Pollard Fund and sent to:
First Federal Bank
PO Box 970
Burley, ID 83318

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