Eden man gets a second chance

Second chances for life are rare, but that’s what Michael Shropshire of Eden said he got when he received a new liver less than a month ago.

He had Hepatitis C when he was a teenager and because it was untreated, it led to cirrhosis of the liver as an adult. He said he is fortunate to be alive and he and his wife want to thank the community, and their family and friends for everything they have done to help them.

“We really just want to thank everyone who has helped us and continues to help,” Shropshire said. “This was a community effort and they are still helping us.”

Shropshire and his wife Robin said it’s not only the financial contributions that have kept them going, but it’s the prayers, cards and calls of encouragement which really mean the most to them.

“Having so many people praying for us is what really made this happen,” Robin Shropshire said. “Without God, we would have never gotten his liver, and I know the prayers have helped so much.”

The Shropshires said many people continue to help them with medical care and medicines. Mike Shropshire has to take up to 21 different types of medication per day. He said they are phasing out some of the medicines, but he will need to take others for the rest of his life. Most rejection medicines which he is responsible for taking aren’t covered by his health insurance. Immanuel Friends Church on Fieldcrest Road in Eden has set up a trust fund for him, and they are still accepting donations.

Shropshire said the trust fund is very straightforward, and all donated funds go toward medical costs, trips to the doctor and blood work.

Their son, Jordan Shropshire, expressed his appreciation to the community and everyone else for all their support.

“I just want to thank our family and friends and the community for donating – it helped us out more than you know,” Jordan said. “I want to thank them most of all for keeping us in their prayers.”

The Shropshires also want to thank Jordan’s teachers for being so understanding during this difficult time. Jordan said his teachers worked with him to make sure he gets his work done.

“My teachers have let me come in early and have given me extra time to finish makeup work,” Jordan said. “It gets a little hectic sometimes, but I am managing fine.”

He attends John Motley Morehead High School, but he also goes to Rockingham Community College twice a week.

Robin Shropshire said she is still in the process of trying to personally thank almost everyone who helped them, and send out thank you cards.

“I haven’t gotten the chance to send out thank you cards yet, because Mike has been so sick, but I thank each and every single person for their prayers and everything they have done,” Robin Shropshire said. “We count all of our blessings, because he is still here and we know he’ll be ok.”

“I have been given a second chance at life, and I intend to make the most of it,” Mike Shropshire said. “I do not want to let all the people who have helped us down.”