Dr. Donald Shoemaker, senior pastor of the Seal Beach, California, church, sends the following sad news and prayer request:
Grace Community Church of Seal Beach is mourning the passing of our Director of Women’s Ministries, Michele Fishback (pictured).
Michele’s heart function had become greatly reduced in recent months. Her high-energy personality left her discontent with her tiredness and lack of strength, so she was pleased when she qualified for the transplant waiting list at UCLA Medical Center.
Three weeks ago her pager sounded and she excitedly gave us notice that she
was on her way to UCLA (a candidate for a transplant must arrive within three hours). At 3:00 a.m. on February 17 she received the heart of a 20-year-old.
Michele progressed nicely and on February 23 she was scheduled to go home.
That morning she experienced a rejection episode and cardiac arrest. Her
life was preserved by the best care in the world. For these past two weeks
she went from one intensive care treatment to another and seemed to be
making incremental progress.
But this morning (March 9) the Lord took her home. Michele was 51.
Michele served with great enthusiasm and distinction in her staff role and
as a loyal member. We ask prayer for her husband, Jerry, and their family and
for our grieving church family in this hour of loss.
It's been 3 years since we lost my precious 'Sissy', Michele. Nothing in my life or the life of anyone in our family is the same without her. I miss her so very much. I love you dearly my Precious Sissy.
Sis