God's Witnesses Speak

Many of you might be familiar with Mike Summit and his lovely canine companion Indy. Mike is a long-time member of St. Catherine’s Parish, from childhood days, attending Mass with his mother, and as an adult, belonging to our parish for the past 8 years. Mike’s story is a touching one that reflects our Christian hospitality and hearing the call of Jesus to help others and share our gifts. Mike shares his recent story with our Parish, as connections with Christ directed him to give, in an effort to save a young lady’s life.

It was Saturday, April 27th, 2019, that began a camping weekend away for Mike and Indy. Mike loaded up the truck with Indy and all her necessities, along with camping gear and his motocross bike in tow to enjoy a motocross event with friends and stay at their ranch near Marysville, California. Mike and Indy headed for their weekend away, but as Mike traveled closer to the outskirts of the ranch, his GPS navigation gave up and he became frustrated and lost. He spent quite a while attempting to find the ranch and that began the sense of “should we be here this weekend?” Mike recalls his frustration and he eventually connected with his friends at their ranch. Together, they went to sign in for their motocross event where there was an overwhelming crowd of people in a dusty and extremely hot environment. Mike again felt the uncertainty in his gut that this trip wasn’t turning out as fun as he’d imagined. It would be a long and hot weekend for his dog Indy as she lays in on a dirt floor looking miserable. Mike had a sense of finalizing this chapter in his retired life. His dog and life’s comforts were more important than riding in a motocross event. Mike explained to his friends that he was not going to stay through the weekend, that he truly just wanted to go home. That Saturday evening, Indy and Mike returned to Martinez. This provided them the opportunity to wake up early and attend Sunday 7 AM Mass as they regularly do.

Sunday morning, April 28th, Mike was outside congregating, when Father Anthony Le encouraged members to reach out to another near you and ask them “What can I pray for you?” Mike walked over to Barbara Turcios. Barbara shared with Mike to pray for a young lady in need of a heart transplant, named Malysa Logan. Barbara is not only a dedicated, long time member of our Parish, but also the President of the Martinez Rotary Club. Barbara explained to Mike that she attended an Antioch Rotary event the day before, to honor this young lady’s desperate need for a second heart transplant. Malysa Logan of Modesto, California, received a donor heart at the age of 2 years old, and miraculously, that heart has given her life for twenty years. Malysa’s heart has been deteriorating and her medical team at Stanford advised her family to have $100,000 in an account to cover the post-transplant care she will require.

Mike went home and prayed fervently for Malysa. He researched her story online and watched the heartfelt videos and news clippings that followed this child’s life since she was 2 years old. Mike felt God’s love and faith in his soul, and he knew he wanted to help save Malysa’s life. Mike made his first decision to sell his vintage motorbike and donate the funds to Malysa’s cause. Within two days of posting his bike for sale, he sold it and had money set aside from this recent transaction. Mike continued to reach out to the people behind Malysa’s cause to inquire how he could donate funds. Mike connected with Lori McGurk, Secretary of the Antioch Rotary Club. Lori shared Malysa’s story and provided the information he needed to help Malysa further.

Mike prayed fervently again on his decisions to help and the timeliness of Malysa’s health. He felt the calling to do more and to provide the additional funds still required for Malysa’s transplant. Mike knew he needed to save this young lady’s precious life.

Within another day, Mike connected with Rick and Jennifer Fuller of Antioch, California. Jennifer’s son Deon, was the original heart organ donor for Malysa when she was 2 years old. Deon fell ill with meningitis at the tender age of 4, and overnight, Jennifer Fuller had to make decisions on behalf of her toddler’s life. She knew she wanted Deon’s organs to be donated and to save other lives. Deon saved Malysa’s life and has provided her life for the past 20 years.

Through coordinating schedules, phone calls, and prayers, Mike met with Jennifer and Rick and vowed to help by withdrawing funds from his 401(k). Mike explained that his life is comfortable, he has what he needs for Indy and himself. What he truly wants to do is help Malysa with the remaining funds she needs. In this short journey, Mike has met with Antioch Rotary Club and the Fuller family to celebrate this wonderful act of kindness, to bring together all the contributions on Malysa’s behalf and to recognize that all of this were answered prayers and actions of God’s work.

Praise the Lord!