Please... Answer our prayers. Help my brother.

I humbly ask for you to picture a young man - 31 years old - filled with hopes and dreams of everything wonderful that life has to offer. He's a hard worker, smart, caring, giving, handsome, funny and full of life. You probably know someone like this in your life. Maybe he's your husband, son, brother, your best friend or it may even be you.

Now imagine a young man - only 31 years old - that only hopes and dreams of being alive to see tomorrow. This young man, once full of life, is my only brother Michael Lewis Corder, who I love dearly... as does my family and all that know him. Once upon a time, Michael was giving, funny, hardworking and healthy. But now struggling to breathe, walk and all that we so often take for granted.

Two years ago he weighed 220 pounds. Today he weighs only 135 pounds. His skin is colored yellow from jaundice, his stomach swollen from swelling of the liver, and cannot ever be left unattended because he is unable to care for himself anymore. It is a so sad to see him and know how much pain he is in. This is a very slow and cruel way to die; no one should have to go through this.

Each day he is with us and I am able to
talk to him,
it is a miracle God has granted.

Michael is faced with end-stage liver failure and desperately needs a liver transplant to survive. This is the only chance he has.

Instead of an writing an obituary, I have chosen to write this plea to you to help my brother live. I truly believe that someone reading these words will answer. God gives us the knowledge to seek help and that is what I am asking from you.

Unfortunately tragedies happen everyday that we have no control over, but later wish we had done something to change things so maybe it wouldn't have happened. Please don't let Michael become a tragedy!

If you or anyone you hear of that is in a situation where they could be a donor, they or their families can request that their liver be donated to Michael L. Corder. You may access our contact information immediately by clicking on the "Contact Us" link at the top of the page.

His blood type is O negative.

The cost of a liver transplant is $320,000. Any possible donations will be warmly accepted. If you are able to contribute, please make all checks payable to:

Pine Bluff Cotton Belt Credit Union
1703 River Pine Blvd.
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
for Michael Corder liver transplant donations.

Life is truly a gift. Could you or someone you know help my brother live, by giving such a precious gift? Please open your hearts and answer our prayers. Please help to save Michael's life.

The liver is the second most commonly transplanted major organ, after the kidney. If you are not already an organ donor please register - I have.

The life you or I save by donating
may very well be someone you love.

Our entire family is so greatful for your visit to this web site today. Your time spent here is a wonderful example of your compassion and empathy for others. There are so many others like my brother who are in need. I sincerely ask that you not only consider a "Directed Donation" for Michael, but look beyond his immediate need.

It is for my brother, and so many others awaiting transplants that I ask you to please spend some time educating yourself and your loved ones about organ donation.

The "Facts & Tip" link offers wonderful information for review.

The "Links For Life" button accesses information about a wonderful awareness campaign. The goal is to link others who - like Michael - have a story to share and a need for help. By showing each individual's particular plea, it helps paint a vivid picture of just how limited the supply of viable organs is for everyone on the waiting lists. "Links for Life" is connecting real faces and real names to the "faceless statistics".

We pray that - with heightened awareness around such a desperate need for more organ donors - there will come a day when there is no longer a shortage...

and no longer a need to plead for help
in order to save a life.

THANK YOU for your time, attention and concern.

His older sister,
Jo Lynn Smith

"God... Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."