Mike is facing renal failure and needs a kidney replacement yet he wants to become a motivational speaker who brings our divided country back together. He’s ready to share his experiences from growing up impoverished and fatherless to becoming a football star.
I am Mike Mayweather, a Veteran and former West Point football player, and this is my true story.
I am the all-time leading rusher at the United States Military Academy, West Point, having rushed for 4,299 yards. I am an All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist, an ECAC Player of the Year, a Midwest Player of the Year (as awarded by the Cleveland Touchdown Club), and the recipient of many other honors. I was affectionately known as “Army30” at West Point because I was the all team leading running back for all of the service academies. As a 1991 Graduate of West Point, I attended St. Louis Country Day School in Missouri, one of the finest high schools and preparatory schools in the region.
There I was, a 3 time All-State and All-Metro football player and All-State track athlete. I accomplished these things as a young black man born into an impoverished urban household. I was the eighth of ten children, one of two in the family to graduate high school, and the only to attend and graduate college. I grew up, not knowing a father, in the hard streets of North St. Louis.
By God’s grace, mercy, and sovereign hand I have interacted with people, had experiences, and achieved things that I could not have dreamed of or imagined. Coming from that humble beginning, I have lived a life I could not have scripted any better myself until recently.
In July of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) which developed from my 24-year fight with Type-2 Diabetes. Stage 5 CKD means the kidneys are getting very close to failure or have already failed. My Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) has been dangerously low, as low as 9%, which prompted my doctors to recommend dialysis and a kidney transplant. Having completed the preparations for dialysis, along with the research and education of the treatment process, I have come to realize just how restrictive and debilitating dialysis is. I now understand just how much of a disability Stage 5 kidney disease is.
Moreover, I now know the costs for the initial surgery, post-surgery, treatments, and drugs… and they are expenses far outside of my financial reach. I am currently getting my medical treatment through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
In an attempt to avoid dialysis, and its disabilities, I am raising funds to get the transplant. With the reprieve from the transplant, I plan to use my time, efforts, and experiences to bring more attention to the growing problem of Diabetes with an increased emphasis on kidney care. Just as important, I will seek a platform to influence the cultural divide that has gripped our country. It is my hope that the 2285relationships and experiences I have been fortunate enough to have can be a pathway to insight and have an effect upon the cultural conflict facing the nation today.
As I enter the fourth quarter of my life I am asking you to stand with me, support me, and cheer me on as I push forward with a game-winning drive. Goal line in sight, crossing the line to hear God say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
It is in humbleness, meekness, and hope that I share my story and request with you. I am seeking help with the funding of my kidney transplant and transitioning into the final phase of my life. I’m grateful to you and all the Americans for Real Change (ARC) heroes at ARCinAction.com. I’m blessed to be a chosen Veteran whose story is spotlighted. If you wish to help fund my kidney transplant, so I can use my final years to support our country and bring Americans back together again, please support me at ARCinAction.com.