My name is Harvey McEachern. I am 69 years old, and I have lived in Michigan my entire life, except for my time in the military. I served in the US Navy from January 1975 to January 1979, plus 2 years in inactive reserves. I was an Operation Specialist stationed in Little Creek, Virginia aboard the USS Plymouth Rock LSD29. I was an Second-Class Petty Officer E5 when I was honorably discharged from the Navy.
When I returned to civilian life, jobs were hard to come by, so I went to work at Thunder Bay Manufacturing. I worked there until the plant closed. After that I went to work for Cadillac Products in Rogers City and worked there until I retired in 2018.
I married my wonderful wife Bonnie on July 19, 1975, and will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary. We have a son Tony, and a daughter Shannon. We also have three granddaughters and one grandson. We are now very blessed to have two great granddaughters! They bring so much joy and fun into our lives.
Almost two years ago, I found out my kidneys were shutting down. I was told it was an auto immune disease that attacked my kidneys. Nothing worked that could turn them around. I have been on dialysis since May 2024. I was going into the center for hemodialysis for about six months until I could start training for home dialysis. I now have the machine at home, and I am hooked up to it for about 10 hours every night.
This is hopefully going to continue until I can get a kidney transplant. We are hoping to be able to travel and go on another cruise once I get a kidney. Life will be so much better when I can get my health back. I am thankful for the treatments available.
I like to tinker around with small engines and little handyman projects. Spending time with the kids, grand kids and great grand kids brings me the most joy and pleasure! My family is everything to me.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Harvey’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611