Alumnus searching for student support
For 26 years, Russ Pendergrass had known his son, a 2005 Utah State University graduate Michael Pendergrass, had biliary atresia – a liver disease that would require a transplant.
Doctors told Russ that if he lost 30-40 pounds, he could qualify as a live liver donor for his son. But when Russ first heard that his son was having a son of his own, the 53-year-old got moving.
“When I found out Michael was having a son himself, I couldn’t bear the thought of his children growing up without their father and knowing I could have done something,” he said.
Russ lost the weight – 30 pounds – and in July, he entered a nationwide fitness contest called Body For Life. Now he is one of 15 finalists for the $1 million grand prize.
The contest required before and after photos, as well as an essay explaining the inspiration behind his lifestyle change. Russ Pendergrass and his wife, Pati, are hoping others will take notice and take advantage of the online voting at www.bodyforlife.com to help the family take home the prize.
“The money would mean a lot,” Russ said. “It would mean that I wouldn’t be worried about Michael’s medical bills.”
Still, it’s not all about the money.
“That’s the kind of person my dad is,” Michael Pendergrass said. “There are 10 kids in my family and he would do anything for us. This is one of the many things my dad has sacrificed for me.”
Only 8 percent of people diagnosed with biliary atresia live past the age of 20 without a liver transplant, so 26-year-old Michael is something of an anomaly.
His mother said that until recently, Michael had gone two years without a trip to the emergency room. But without a transplant, Russ said his son will jaundice, his muscles will atrophy over time and the disease would eventually prove fatal.
Doctors say Michael could need a transplant tomorrow or three years from now, so Russ knows he has to keep the weight off.
If Russ Pendergrass were to win the competition, his wife said it would be the family’s second miracle this month. Michael’s son, Adam, was born this week.
“If he had the transplant by now, he probably wouldn’t have had a child,” Pati Pendergrass said. “The doctors say that the anti-rejection medicine would make Michael sterile. That’s been a miracle and a blessing.”
Voting for the contest is up through Monday. Those interested can vote online at www.bodyforlife.com.
afalk@cc.usu.edu
Alumnus searching for student support
Graduate’s father in $1 million contest to donate his liver; needs online votes
-acf@cc.usu.edu