“I found out I was in kidney failure about twenty years ago,” Mike begins. “I was monitored for years, doing everything possible to save my kidneys. They gradually got worse and stopped to the point of needing dialysis about four years ago.”
That is when Mike London heard the words no person wants to hear. “I was told I would need a kidney transplant.” (story continues below)
Some have dubbed Mike, the godfather of Tuttle wrestling. His roots have grown deep in the small Oklahoma community for decades. It’s a place where he built a renowned youth wrestling program, winning multiple state titles. A man who has worn many hats, coach is just one of them. He has also been a dad, grandparent, fan and friend. People have known Mike for a long while. He’s an integral part of the Tuttle community.
About ten years ago, Mike’s path crossed with that of Jamay Smith. Her son is a wrestler. He grew up in a wrestling family – and Mike was his coach. Mike’s grandkids were teammates with Jamay’s son, but more than that, they were friends.
“I knew Mike was dealing with kidney issues for a while,” Jamay said. “I had no idea just how serious it was and how sick he had become until I saw the Facebook post.” Mike’s wife, Teresa, wrote a post asking if anyone would consider being a donor. “That hit me hard.”
Jamay says she spent considerable time in prayer and ultimately decided to make a phone call. Then, she quietly filled out the paperwork. Unsure she would be a suitable donor, she kept her decision to herself. Months went by, along with several trips to the hospital for blood work, scans and tests. “Each time, good news kept coming back,” Jamay states. “Prayers were being answered. God chose me to be a donor for Mike.”
All the while, Mike continued his treatment – waiting and hoping for good news. Dialysis works, but it can be very restricting. “We had to learn to take all the equipment when we went anywhere. Then, it suddenly stopped working, and I ended up in the hospital.” The treatment to prolong Mike’s life was also taking a toll on him physically and emotionally. Life was becoming difficult.
“That’s when I got the call that I had an anonymous donor.” Mike was grateful to receive the news, but three months went by, and Mike still didn’t know the identity of the person who was going to save his life – until one Sunday afternoon. Jamay and her son decided to pay a visit to the London household. “I’m the one donating the kidney,” she said. Right there, they all broke down and cried. “It’s hard to describe. It was literally the gift of life,” Mike remarks.
It’s been just over a month since the transplant. Mike says he feels better than he has in years. He’s no longer dealing with constant sickness. “I have my life back. Soon, I’ll be able to travel and live my life to its fullest,” a dream only made possible by a donor plus several doctors, caregivers and medical breakthroughs.
Jamay Smith’s extraordinary generosity saved Mike London’s life. The incredible caregivers and physicians at the INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute have given Mike new hope for the future. The godfather of Tuttle wrestling has many days ahead to cheer for the program he built.
“I hope this encourages others to consider becoming a donor,” Jamay concludes. “Although it isn’t for everyone, it might be for you.”
