Welcome to A SECOND CHANCE, a web site to inform, educate and help donate funds for Michael Interdonato. Michael is a twenty-one year old young man who suffers severely from a neuromuscular disorder entitled Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE).

Please take a moment to read and learn about this rare disorder and more about Michael.

Homepage: www.asecondchance.us

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Michael's Story Is Now Complete

• Thursday, November 3rd – Every story has a beginning and an end. Regrettably, not all stories have a "happy" ending. I can't begin to tell you how it saddens me to have to tell you that Michael died of respiratory failure this evening at 7:45 PM. He died peacefully surrounded by his mom, dad and sister Danielle. He is now in a place free from pain. For that we are grateful.

Thanks to all who have supported Michael throughout his struggle. You have all made this ordeal that much more bearable.

May 1,1984 – Nov. 3, 2005

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UPDATE: May 25, 2005

Hi everyone,
     It's late, but I need to let you all know that a miracle (one of many we are going to need) happened this afternoon. We got the word, that even with the announced intention of Blue Cross Blue Shield to deny a second request for insurance just last Friday under Dr. Garvin's metabolic protocol, that the external reviewer would overturn that decision with very strong support for Michael's transplant.  We got the word by phone from the Empire BC/BS case manager late this afternoon, that the decision was made to grant insurance coverage for Michael's transplant and that we would be receiving a confirmation in the mail in the very near future.

We can hardly believe it ... hopefully we won't wake up in the morning and find it was just a dream.

Michael has just passed the first of many hurdles. He will continue to need your support and prayers. I can't begin to tell you how relieved we are, yet how sobering it is to know that Michael is only just beginning his journey on the medical front. We can only hope that he will continue to have success as we move forward.

I will tell you that Michael cried when he heard the news. Thank you all so much. You are all very special people!

The Interdonato Family

Learn More about Michael
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Rejection Letter
InitialRejectionLetterGarvin
Protocol.pdf

Approval Letter
ApprovalLetterGarvin
Protocol.pdf