A Gift of Life Twice: Michael Schofield’s Remarkable Journey Through Two Islet Cell Transplants
For most people, diabetes management is a lifelong battle filled with fluctuations, medications, and uncertainties. But for Michael Schofield, an Arizona resident and cycling enthusiast, hope arrived in the form of a medical miracle—two life-changing pancreatic islet cell transplants.
What he didn’t expect, however, was the deep emotional journey that came with learning about the people behind the donations. His first transplant connected him to a grieving mother whose son’s cells now help keep Michael alive. His second transplant came just days after meeting her, leaving Michael with the profound feeling that life had come full circle.
⭐ A Letter That Changed Everything
After his first islet transplant in April 2012, Michael felt compelled to express gratitude. He wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter to the donor's family, never knowing whether he would receive a response.
Over a year later, while sitting in a Starbucks checking his email, he opened a message from a woman he didn’t recognize. She began describing her son—his life, his personality, his passions. It wasn’t until the end of the message that the truth became clear:
She was his donor’s mother, Liz.
To make the world feel even smaller, Michael discovered that she worked at AT&T—just like he did. Soon, the two began exchanging messages through the company’s internal system, bonding over stories of her son, Michael.
⭐ A Meeting—and a Miracle—in the Same Week
Michael planned to visit San Francisco to pick up his medications, and he arranged to meet Liz during the trip. But while changing planes in Orange County, he received unexpected news from UCSF:
A second donor was available. He needed to fly in immediately for another transplant.
“It felt like someone was looking down on me,” Michael said. “As if they thought, ‘That’s a good thing you’re doing—here’s another gift.’”
Despite the urgency, Michael still made time to meet Liz and her other son the next day at Pier 39. She told him she would be wearing a Donald Duck shirt so he could find her easily.
Their meeting was emotional and filled with meaningful coincidences. The date of her son’s fatal accident turned out to be Michael’s birthday. Her granddaughter’s birthday was Michael’s wedding anniversary. And as he walked away, she pointed out that he wore his sunglasses exactly the way her son always had.
“It was happy and heartbreaking at the same time,” he said. “I have three kids of my own. I can’t imagine her pain.”
⭐ Carrying a Part of Someone Else’s Life
Liz gave Michael a photo of her son, which he keeps on his bathroom mirror alongside a handmade cross she gifted him. On difficult mornings, he sometimes talks to the picture:
“Today’s going to be tough,” he’ll say. “Help me out.”
As he prepared for his second transplant, Liz sent him a message that touched him deeply:
“My son is within you, he will protect you—so smile.”
⭐ Why a Second Transplant Was Necessary
Michael always knew a second transplant might be needed. The first provided 750,000 islet cells, but adults typically require more than a million for optimal insulin independence.
His active lifestyle contributed to the increased need—at 192 pounds and with significant muscle mass from cycling, his body required more functioning cells.
Dehydration during two intense rides—a motorcycle trip to British Columbia and a 104-mile bike ride—caused some of the donor cells to die, leading to a return of rising blood sugars.
“It’s something I’ll never do again,” he said. “Hydration is now a top priority.”
⭐ A Glimpse of “Gold Dust”
When he went in for his second transplant, Michael asked Dr. Andrew Posselt if he could see the islet cells before the procedure.
Dr. Posselt held up a vial.
“It looked like gold dust,” Michael recalled. “Absolutely amazing.”
This second infusion added about 850,000 cells, bringing him to a total of approximately 1.4 million.
After two to three weeks, he was off insulin again.
This time, he plans to protect the cells carefully—using insulin occasionally when he knows he may overeat, prioritizing hydration, and listening to his body.
⭐ Living with Gratitude
Today, Michael feels fantastic. He continues to text Liz regularly, offering support during difficult days and cherishing the bond created through her son’s selfless gift.
He fully intends to write a thank-you letter to the family of his second donor as well.
“Not everyone chooses to contact their donor’s family,” he said. “But that’s not who I am. Saying thank you is important—that’s how I look at life.”
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