- May 17, 2024
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Mike Collins has lived in Palm Coast for about 10 years. He was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease in January 2018. Courtesy photo
Mike Collins and Amanda Grinde. Courtesy photo
Mike Collins stays at home with his girlfriend's daughter. Courtesy photo
About one month into their relationship, Michael Collins and Amanda Grinde received news they never imagined.
“In January is when we found out he had stage 5 kidney failure — not one, but two — both of his kidneys,” Grinde said.
Collins had already been living with Type 1 diabetes since age 13. Now, at age 30, he said he’s struggling to manage his sugar intake and care for the kidney disease through an at-home dialysis treatment that’s done by a machine every night for seven hours.
The pair had been friends for about one year before they started dating in December 2017, so when this diagnosis came soon into their relationship, Grinde said she didn’t hesitate to become his caregiver, as his family is out of state.
“To be honest, roles have completely switched. He is Mr. Mom, and I am the breadwinner now,” she said. “I’m pulling 35 hours at job number two and 35 hours at job number one, and it seems like we’re still not making it.”
About a month ago, Grinde created a GoFundMe account for Collins, and as of Oct. 21, 20 people have donated a total of $1,220 on the page. They said the money is used for his medical expenses and supplies, plus necessities like rent and water for the couple and Grinde’s 5-year-old daughter, who all live together in Palm Coast.
“I feel so blessed; it’s amazing how people are willing to help out — some people I don’t even know,” Collins said about the GoFundMe donations.
Collins started the dialysis treatment in June, and he thinks it’s helping, as he’s sick less frequently now. He said he realized going back to work put too much strain on his body, so now he cares for Grinde’s daughter — taking her to school and making meals — while Grinde goes to work.
“Positively, we keep a very good, happy home environment,” Grinde said, as her daughter, Karolina, doesn’t know the specifics of Collin’s condition. “She likes the idea of being able to play doctor. And her responsibilities are to make sure the cat is out of the room and her hands are washed, things like that.”
Grinde said the GoFundMe support so far has been a lifesaver as they wait for Collins to progress on a transplant list and, hopefully, for disability to come in.
“It’s been a big help for sure because it seems like every time we really need it, it comes through right on time,” she said about the GoFundMe. “It’s definitely appreciated. I can’t even explain the words.”
