Toddler in need of kidney transplant

Toddler in need of kidney transplant
Family joins together to raise money for Michael Niespodziany.
By Emily Pace
Friday, September 11, 2009 at 7:11 p.m.

LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP -- Life is supposed to be simple, when your Michael Niespodziany's age.

Unfortunately for this two-year-old, his problems started before he was even born.

"They did an MRI while I was still pregnant with him," says Michael's mother Debby Niespodziany, "and they found out his kidneys weren't as big as they should be."

Michael has what is called End Stage Kidney Disease, and will soon need a transplant. Until then, Michael continues with his day-to-day dialysis, and his family continues to try to raise money needed for his $500,000 surgery.

"He is our only grandson, and we just can't do enough for him," said Michael's grandfather Frank Niespodziany.

"I'm just very sorry we live as far as we do, so that we're not able to see them that often," said Michael's grandmother Jean Niespodziany.

This week, the Niespodziany's are visiting from South Bend, Indiana; Frank and Jean are taking advantage of their visit to the U.P. to host a benefit spaghetti dinner for Michael.

The fundraiser is on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Masonic Building in Marquette.

"The funds that we're raising is going to help us with transplant-related needs," said Debby.

The Niespodziany's have already raised $8,000 dollars towards their goal of $30,000 for Michael, and Sunday's event will be the family's first fundraiser across state lines.

After they raise the money needed, relatives will be tested to see if they're a match for Michael.

The hope is that Michael will have a new kidney within the next year-and-a-half, as well as a long and healthy life.

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=349424