Genoa man seeking living liver donor; golf fundraiser planned

        Mark Valentine, of Genoa, is keeping the faith. Faith in his doctors, faith in his family and friends and faith in the kindness and generosity of his community.
        Two years ago, Valentine was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency – a rare genetic condition that attacked his liver and is now harming his lungs. He is currently on the liver transplant waiting list at University of Michigan Medical Center but is also hoping to find a living donor.
        “A living doner will be the best option for me,” he said. “What that means is, I would receive a portion of the donor’s healthy liver. The liver is a unique organ that regenerates or grows back.”
        Valentine grew up in Genoa and graduated from Genoa High School in 1977. The 64-year-old, who had been healthy prior to his diagnosis, has been a single father to his 18-year-old daughter, Megan since his wife, Mary, passed away 12 years ago. He has been employed for many years at Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, where he works in the Dietary Department.
        The University of Michigan Medical Center will cover all medical costs to a living donor throughout the transplant process.
        “My daughter and I would be eternally grateful for anyone willing to help,” Valentine said.
        To learn more about becoming a living donor, connect with a coordinator at the University of Michigan Living Donor Office at 800-333-9013 or txp-donors@med.umich.edu. More information is also available at uofmhealth.org/transplant.
        Benefit golf outing
        A “Mark Valentine Fundraiser Golf Outing” will be held Saturday, June 29 at Chippewa Golf Course, 23550 West SR 579, | Curtice.
        The event will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost is $300 per foursome, which includes a cart. Lunch will be provided.
        Hole sponsorship opportunities are also available.
        To register a team, sponsor a hole or make a contribution, call Coral Long at 419-377-7165.
        Long, along with another of Valentine’s childhood friends, Joyce Harrison, have also established a fund at GenoaBank to help him with medical and living expenses during his treatment, transplant surgery and recovery.
        Donations to the “Support Mark Valentine Fund” may be made at any GenoaBank branch location. Any branch will accept a donation.