MARIETTA: Fight like Mike: Saving a local hero | News

MARIETTA, Ga. -- "He will do anything for you in a heartbeat," said Eulalie Long.

Michael Keim has been a hero for nearly seven years, working 12 hours each day as a Cobb County 911 operator.

But now, it's his turn to be saved.

"He's been there for the community," Long said. "It's time for us to be there for him."

At five-years-old, Keim was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease, Common Variable Deficiency Bilateral Bronchiectasis.

Now, just 27 years old, Michael needs a double-lung-bone-marrow transplant.  Both lungs and the bone marrow have to come from the same donor to reduce the risk of rejection.

"He'll be the second person in the world to receive this," said his sister Angie Venegas.

Keim is at Duke University awaiting a match, while his family rallies for him at home.

They held a fundraiser at the Macland Crossing Chick Fil-A with 10 percent of everything going to his medical bills.

Keim's friends, family and coworkers wished him luck in his hospital room as they Skyped from the fundraiser. 

They say they're not giving up...because he never did.

"He would go up to 911 with his air mask on," Venegas said. "And still take calls all the way up until he left."

"His lungs were functioning at 40 percent," Long added.  "And he was still doing the job of more than half of us."

Those who wish to support Keim and his fight can make a donation to the National Transplant Assistance Fund in his name at NTAFund.org.

Supporters can also mail a check to the NTAF Southeast Bone Marrow Transplant with the words "In honor of Michael Keim" in the memo line.  Checks should be mailed to the following address:

National Transplant Assistance Fund
150 North Radnor Chester Road
F-120
Radnor, Pa. 19087