I am very eager to hear from Mike in the aftermath of his upcoming silent experience. Or should I say, silence from outside sources! As we can all tell from his writings, Mike has keen insight as to what he expects will happen. However, I am almost sure more will happen than he expects! This is why I am so fascinated to hear about it.
P.S. I never said, "i couldn't do that!"
Karen F.
There is so much that did happen in that silence that I am having a hard time to begin to write about it for I don't know where to begin? It will come as I sort out and make some order out from the hundreds of insights and experiences that took place! Mike
Hello, July 9, 2008
My name is also Mike Rumble, and I discovered by blog by Googling for my own name, which is how I spend much of my time at work.
It's has been very moving to read the story of another Mike Rumble, and I am glad to hear that you are making progress and getting stronger everyday.
From Mike Rumbles everywhere, I wish you well on the road to recovery.
Welcome home Im so glad you are back and feeling so peacefull and in such a place of spiritual wonder . I miss you, and talking with you. know you continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. Give a hug to Maria for me and when you feel up to talking call me I cant wait to speak with you when you are ready. You really did a beautiful job with this web site and in keeping us all updated on your progress and on the increadible spiritual journey your on as well as making it seem like we were able to meet the people who were placed in your path as Gods special angels for you in that far away land which now seems closer to us here. Your amazing spirit showed through this entire experience and was truly reflected in you web site. Thank you for sharing so much . Again welcome home. Kit
Thanks Kit. Looking forward to sharing with you. Having you come to see us would be so cool. I miss you too. Take care my friend. Mike
AWESOME RAMBLINGS.SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK. CAN' WAIT TO WATCH YOUR MIRACLE AS IT HAPPENS.HOLLER,JEN
Hey Mike,
I must have done something wrong cuz my first comment didn't post! Glad to hear you are resting and growing stronger. Thank you for sharing your journey...it truely inspires me and only makes me more aware of the value of life and the importance of sharing..look forward to seeing your smiling face soon,
your friend from Hospice and in Gods love
Carolyn
Our love is with you as you recover. So proud of your courage and beautiful spirit. You are an inspiration!
mike,
looking foward to seeing you. have a safe trip and take it easy. when you feel up to it call me. your friend john b.
Wow, this is some amazing stuff dad, keep up the good work! Happy Birthday big guy, Love you, can't wait till you get back here!
IT IS A MIRACLE WE DIDN'T EXPECT ANYTING LESS.CAN'T WAIT TILL YOU GET BACK YOU ARE TRULY MISSED.ALWAYS
IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.HOLLER IF YOU NEED ME,JEN.
mike,
i thaught i would drop you a line. i sent a few messages i don,t know where they went. beckie talked to maria last night. we will keep putting one foot in front of the other. we never expected ant short a a great healing. that is what spirit does. i can,t wate to be with you again for a visit and talk.
john
Mike - You have been on all of our minds for some time now. We hope and pray that this procedure will give you 50 more years of loving, giving life. Can't wait to hear your voice and see your face! Love, Diane & Joan
mike todays the day, i am so excited for you. you will be in the thaughts and prayers of a ton of people and spirits. we are having reiki sessions all day at slmc we will be sending a lot of good energy thru out the day to you and maria, have a great healing day. john
HOPE YOUR DOING FINE,MISS YOU.TAKE IT EASY
THESE PHOTOS ARE GREAT. COPYING A FEW TO MY COMPUTER, BLOWING THEM UP AND HOPE TO HAVE SOME OF THEM FRAMED (BY ME) FOR YOU WHEN YOU RETURN HOME.
Dad, I thought that was a really amazing scene of you holding your own life in your hands, and the blessing you gave to it!
Haha and tell you're ladies I said hello!
Hey Mike
Way to go. Keep up the good work. Boy what some people will go through for a little extra attention.
Seriously, I'm glad to see your doing well and wish you and Maria a long and happy life together.
I'm looking forward to what you promised me you 100% man!!
with love and support KF
Mike,
I am so thrilled for you! You have been on my mind quite a bit. You continue to be in my prayers. Sending healing energy, love an dlight,
love,
your friend lynn
That is so amazing
Mike you are really something else.
Go Stem Cells
Love Davey Boy
Hi Mike,
So Glad you arrrived safely. I am so glad that the Stem Cell research has continued outside of this country so you can take full advantage of it. Hopefully one day people wont have to leave the US to get the medical help they so richly deserve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and I am sure you are awaiting Maria to arrive. I know she was excited to join you. Keep strong and stay positive. You will come through this just fine.
Love Doreen, randy and jessy
Thinking of you and sending you love and support. We will dedicate our day of caring and meditation with Reiki circles for the staff to you . . . on Tuesday. (Nurses Week event). How appropriate is that? Your experiences sound so beautiful and peaceful. You are definately in a "good place" on every level. Just "BE" and come back to us healthy and happy! Love, Terri
Hey Dad, that's really cool, keep the videos coming! Love you big guy!
THIS IS AWESOME.ITS REALLY HAPPENING. BE SAFE .
The outcome no matter what, has been a highlight of my life so far! Even if nothing else were to take place there is the beginning of transformation within! A thrill, an eternal experience of light and a sense of being carried in spirit by God's children through His Spirit. A taste of peace and tranquility here on earth! Man this is cool. Who needs drugs when you have your alive eternal spirit swizzling with life!
Hi Mike,
Glad to see you arrived in Bangkok safely. You are in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Joey and Bacci family. I am grateful. Greetings to all and Kim too. Mike
Everyone here in Michigan is praying for you, everyone I talk to so supportive, and wants to know how it's coming together. I will keep them posted. Be cool!!
Mike,
You are an inspiration to all. God Bless. Thank you so much for sharing your journal of your journey with all of us and what a great book you will establish. Good thoughts for you everyday.
Nimmo
Mike
Sorry I missed your last day here at SLMC. My prayers and blessings are with you and Maria.
Suzanne
:-)
GLAD YOU MADE IT SAFE.HOPE THE DAYS GO BY FAST AND YOU COME BACK HERE HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND HEALED.
are you sure you don't look like buddha now? ha! ha! the best of luck to you. i already see the genesis of heart growing within your left ventricle. attention!
chaplin rumble grows heart tissue.
love the mucopulmonary extractor
mike,
friday the 25th is here. i can't wait to be with you again at work.
my thaughts, prayers, energy and spirit are given to you.
yoursoul friend john
HEY,GLAD YOUR OKAY.REALLY MISS YOU ATWORK.ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.SEE YA SOON
To our dear Pastor Mike-
I want to let you know that you have impacted many many lives at Lawnwood Regional, including mine. I see you and watch you showing the love of Jesus. I have admired you, comforting families, especially those facing an unexpected death of a loved one and helping people to face tragedy. Obviously, loving and caring like Jesus would. I have seen you interact with us- the employees, advising us, ministering to us. You are so sweet and kind. I know God is pleased. I want you to know all the employees that I know-love you dearly. God bless you.
Hi Michael
Wow I just saw the pictures from you barbeque fund raiser and it looks like it was a big success.. I am so happy for you and of cours the picture of you and maria looks so great!! You know we wish you the best of luck and we know you are going to be fine and pull through and come back to Florida even stronger and healthier then you have ever been. We wish you the best.. Love always Doreen, Randy and Jessy (the soccer buddies from ny hahaha)
Dear Mike, Your the best and there is still so much work for you to do. Your family and friends all wish you the best. We need you and are hopeful that the treatment in Thailand will help keep you with us all. Love, Maria
Dear Mike,
I have faith that all the funds will come in so that your venture for recovery will be realized!
Hey Dad,
Hang in there! You're the best. I'm glad to be able to travel with you to Thailand.
Love,
Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth, you are such a wonderful mature woman. I love you!
Hey Mike, I look forward to hearing all about Thailand upon your return. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Know that your friends here in SRQ are with you on your journey.
Hugs, Anne
Wow Anne! Thanks so very much, that means a great deal to me. I look forward to coming to SRQ and sharing.
Mike
Dad, you are so amazing! I cant belive your going to Thailand! I love you and hope this trip is an answer to our prayers.
P.s. Caleb loves you too!
Dear Mike,
I sincerely hope that everything goes well. I assure you my family and I are praying for your well being.
I also feel comfortable knowing you are in the best hands possible. The hands and arms of our lord and heavenly father to carry you during this difficult time.
If I can be of any service or you just need to talk, don't hesitate to call.
Gob bless!!!
Ernie
Hey bro, keep up the great work, we are all pulling for you up here in Mich. You are on our mind everyday, I love you,
Marc
Mike,
I got word of your condition thru Mom (Nancy Rose LeSieur) and wanted to pass along my best wishes and prayers for your travels and for a speedy recovery. I am sorry to hear of your ordeal, but it sounds like you are in good hands. I always did think alot of your work with Hospice in Murray. There was always a special spirit about you and I cannot imagine anyone else helping us tie the knot way back when. It was just over 10 years ago when you married Jason and I, and for that, I will always be grateful. We have a wonderful 2year old daughter and are settled in Hopkinsville, KY. I hope this note finds you doing well. I will be thinking of and praying for you.
Heather (Rose) Holland
Hi Mike, you are going in the right direction. You have my prayers and thoughts. We will be watching your progress daily when you are in Thailand. Barry
Hi Mike:
I remember our fellowship and talks together while ministering at Bon Secours Health Services. You have been a great encouragement to me with your healing presence that God has provided you. I am confident that you will be victorious over the physical challenges that you are facing. Carol and I are praying for you as you prepare for your trip to Thailand and value your continued friendship. Remember you are a "VERY SMART MAN."
All Our Love & Prayers,
Rich & Carol
Mike
I was happy to visit with you and Maria this past weekend. I know you have put a lot of thought into your next journey and you should know that all those who have come to know you are behind you 110%. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon and want you to know I will be thinking of you while you're in Thailand and reading your daily updates. Stay strong and know that you are in God's hands....not a bad place to be!
Larry
Dear Mike,
This is going to be a Life Rejuvenation for you. I wish you the best.My Entire Family is passing along our thoughts and prayers.We Love You So Much
David
I am touched by your story and send you prayers and Reiki healing energy. You are such an inspiration for how well you have done thus far, guided and protected by your faith. May you be well, may you be happy, may you be at peace.
Namaste and Best Wishes from a CSA Sarasota supporter
mike, wow! of course our prayers and love travel with you. may God bless and heal. i pray the Great Physician will come to your bedside and bring healing and peace that passes all understanding. our love, Jeff from SCC in fort pierce
Hi Mike!
This is a very nice recognition. I feel like it could have been written by me or any number of other people who have been the benefactors of your support.
Last week I forwarded out your letter and attachment to a large number of the people on the MCCH e-mail system. I have spoken to Kerry a couple of times and he and the upper administration agreed that that would be a good way to get the word out. I have gotten comments from several people. I also contacted the editor of the Ledger and Times (Eric Walker) and forwarded him the letter and attachment. I also sent it to a couple other people in town including Loretta. I hope that you will be hearing form some otf the people here. Does Nancy (Rose) know of this?
I hope that all is going well for you and Maria. Keep us updated.
We are OK.
Next week I am going to a Chopra Spiritual Yoga retreat in Austin TX. i am very excited about that.
Cadelia
Dear Ones,
This message is from my dear friend, Rev. Mike Rumble. He used to live in Sarasota and was a great spiritual support to me during a very difficult time in my life. We have stayed in touch since he moved away, and he is always an amazing spiritual light. Do take a look at Mike's website and the amazingly courageous story of his life. It is a miracle he is not only still alive, but living as vibrantly as he has been. His message is worth reading and sharing.
Thank you and Namasté,
-Karen
Rev. Karen Wolfson
Center for Spiritual Awakening
Hi Mike,
I met you many years ago when you worked a Bon Secours but you left very soon after. What an incredible journey you have come through. You are very brave. God will see you through. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless in the next few months with your goal. You can count on my support. Cherie
Hey Mike, how's it going? John said u were not feeling well and were staying home. I hope u are feeling better today. I hope everything works out with your transplant and u feel much better afterwards. You are such a comfort and help to so many people. Even when u feel crappy, u still have a smile on your face.
Thanks Shannon...
greatings to all,
i meant mike about 3 to 4 years ago. we were at a bedside of a person transitioning back into the natural state of spirit. as a respiratory therapist, in the critical care unit, this rebirth was one of many for me. this one was the beginning of a great friendship with mike rumble. for those readers that has never spent years in a critical care unit, i would like to say that our creator gives many gifts to his children. i, like many others, has grown to love the gifts given to me. back to my friend mike, he to has great gifts that he uses. that first day mike walked into that hospital room it was very apparant to me that i was going to be a witness to a light and love fill event that i call the rebirth of the spirit back to its natural state. over the next several years, mike and i have worked together countless times witnessing the rebirth. yes, these times can be very sad and painful to family and friends of the deceased. however; with mike,s gifts of compassion, love, wisdom, and humility and the way he uses them to help ease and heal the sorrows of loss has proven to me that mike has a place on earth and a very important job to do. one of mike statements to me is " i know what i am suppose to do here but, i don't know what my job would be there." well, i have decided to help mike raise the money for his life giving trip. in the last several weeks i have put together a team to help.
with the help of many, we now have a name which is mikes non- profit foundation. we are planning a cook out on the beach in st. lucie county, florida. this family fun day will be opened up to the employees of st. lucie medical center and lawnwood hospitals. mike is one of our family members. he has helped many many people not only his fellow employees, but also the people of this county and the surrounding counties around st. lucie. i would like to ask all readers of mikes blog spot to give any amount of money that you can. these donations will help save a life of a wounderful loving person.
in addition, mike will be with us for a long time using his special gifts which help to heal our earthly cuts and scars. thank you all for all your gifts of love to mike. that is all i have to say for now. keep looking at mikes blogspot for updates for the rumble-thon family fun day at frederick douglus park on the beautiful beach in fort pierce,fla which will be held on april 5th.
good luck mike from a friend.
greetings from a friend,
i am john buchanan a respiratory therapist at st. lucie medical center. i am very excited to anounce the offical start of the michael rumble healthcare foundation inc. being the vice president of this new not for profit foundation, the foundations first goal is to help mike grow some new heart muscle!! after that goal has been meant our foundation will be searching for another person to help a dream come true.
our first fund rasier will be on april 5th at frederick douglas park 4 miles south of the fort pierce inlet. it will be from 8am to 8 pm. the name is rumble-thon family fun day. thanks in advance for everyones help and support.
john buchanan
mike,
the rumble-thon family fun day is really starting to take shape.
we have several hogs, chicken, potatoe salad, beans,and lots of fun and games for april 5th. to brother marc, you should try to fly down to florida for that weekend. you will be able to see the support your bro has. april 5th will be a great day to remember.
i will continue the party updates.
john
Hello Mike, Finally got here and am blessed at this site! Will be praying. I am challenged...but amidst it all...Psalm 52:8b-9 I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise you forever,O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people. In Faith, SM/R/LRMC
hey mike,
i want to thank sally a kind soul which gave $20.00 today. this is a very nice lady that doesn't work at the hospital and doesn'tnow mike but wanted to help. all employees at lawnwood and slmc don't forget the benefit bbq april 5th. lots of food and fun for all.
john b.
I met Michael about ten years ago when I was looking for a counselor. I do believe that my guardian angels brought me to him, because I met him looking for someone else. I was dealing with a divorce and my Mother dying of cancer, and I had a broken heart. Michael is so sincere and has such a special light that surrounds him, and shows you that he really cares!!! When you talk, he listens~when he speaks to you, he's a conduit of God's Words! He counseled me through my darkest hours and helped to heal my broken heart! Now I want to help heal his heart, so he can continue his special purpose in life~doing God's work.
To all my friends and family, I want to thank you so much for your monetary & moral support for Michael. He was my counselor, then became a great friend. I now call him my brother, because he feels like family! Even with all he's going through, he still calls to see how I'm doing. How thoughtful is that?! So let's keep the prayers and contributions coming until he comes home with a healed heart. Much love, Sharon
Mike, I am so glad you have gotten such a great response with this site and the foundation. You have a lot of supporters, which does not surprise me. I look forward to the Rumble-thon. I'm bringing my family! I'm prayin for u!!!
Shan
Dear Mike, You annointed my son with oil and prayed for him when he was in ICU. To all present in the room, we witnessed a miracle. Our prayers are with you now for your own healing. God is with you. Maybe your journey will pave the way for others to be able to some day have stem cell treatments in the US. We will follow your progress on line. God Bless You! Susan, Dan & Tim
I just found out about this TODAY! You bet my family and I will be at that park April 5th. I am passing this on to everyone I know. Mike, you mean alot to us at LRMC- we love you and NEED you healthy to carry on with God's divine work.You really are a shining light in the darkness. Sometimes I feel like the only Christian in the place and then you round the corner with that beautiful smile!I am praying for you everyday and will do all I can to spread the word!
Love ya Mike- we'll be there for you!
Mike,
Its okay, you are welcome. I will also watch how it all plays out later, not so much for any worry about the procedure, as I don't have any more concerns with that - but I realize that you might need some help later with finances, etc. and will remember to ask how it is all going while you are recuperating and not working. We will be glad to help out then also.
Just thank God for all the help he is sending you - we don't want any credit for doing what he would call us to do at this time and for any other time later. He will tell me if you are running low on funds, He has in the past.
I think it will all be okay. Just look to God as He is surely supporting you and holding you up and walking with you in this.
We sure do all send our love and our best to you. And from my heavenly family also who will also know now how much you helped and supported my wonderful Mom while she needed to talk to you to help her walk that path to Home.
Our hearts are with you, our minds are full of prayer for you, and the Heavenly Father will take care of it all.
Don't worry about getting in touch with us right away. That's okay. There is so much going on - and we know that - we also are solid in our faith in what He will do and do not need you to worry about us right now - just enjoy your time with your family and friends before you go fulfill the next step in the journey for you. He has been with you all along, now is your hour to be healed and His time to give you that gift and however He chooses to do so will be perfect as it is from Him.
I remember you saying sometime along the way that you know what you do down here on earth - what your job is. And you are not sure what your job would be there. But do you also remember that there is a going from here.......and a coming.......to the other side. I always figured based on other people's opinion about this, but I do think whatever we have done here, will be the class time, study time and training for what we will do there. Imagine getting to be the "gracious host" for the Son of the Living God - meeting people on the other side, will allow you to be a Chaplain there also - meeting and greeting those who need to be introduced to someone they have waited their whole lives to meet. Our Lord and Savior.
I am not telling you this to make you unsure of this procedure or that I think it might not go well. That's not the case. It sure is soothing to think that that would be your job.
You have work to do - and so your job is to finish it until you are done. But one thing you might want to consider and I have been thinking about a few minutes ago is actually spending some time in the future teaching chaplains the job and responsibility of dealing with the dying and how to do that thing you do ---- we both know Dr's are not good at it - they sure need others in this life to know how you do what you do to make people so comforted during the dying process.
We send you love - Cookie
This is a note I received today from the TheraVitae company from Bangkok. Narumol says, I will arrange the vehicle to pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the Swissotel Le Concord Hotel. You may login and see the hotel's website at http://www.swissotel.com Tel: +66 2 694 2222. You will meet our cardiologist on April 28, 2008 to review your medical records, perform test and discuss the Cell Therapy Program using the Thoracoscopic procedure at the Bangkok Heart Hospital. You may login and see the hospital's website at http://www.bangkokhospital.com/english/default.asp
Your Blood Collection will be done by drawing 250 cc of your peripheral blood for the selection of ACPs. This is similar to what you would do during a blood donation. The blood is then sent to our lab in Israel for the process of ACPs selection and cell multiplication, which will yield a package of concentrated ACPs.
The ACPs are then sent back to Bangkok ready to be injected in the operation room. The ACPs are injected directly into your heart muscle. You will stay overnight for close observation a few days at the CCU and then move to the international ward. Later, you will be discharged from the hospital with a complete copy of your medical records and be returned to the hotel.
On May 13, 2008 you will be transferred from the hotel to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and depart back home.
Dearest Mike,
Please know how many of us are praying for you my dear friend. You have been my sounding board on numerous occasions & now is my chance to give back to you. You have such and incredible spirit Mike that shows each and every day with what you do for our community and their loved ones. I know how blessed they must feel as I did, as you were there by their bedside in their time of need & prayer. How wonderful it is to have an angel on earth such as yourself--I truly believe that each of us are angels with one wing, but when we embrace each other, it is then, when we learn how to fly. You
are an amazing man and all my thoughts & prayers are with you on a daily basis----Peace & Love, Alyssa-LRMC
mike,
wow, i am not suprised about the support you are receiveing. the community is getting ready to say thank you rev. michael j rumble. there is a hurricane that is going to hit the treasure coast on april 5th. the storm's name is storm rumble-thon. we will be ready.
john
Dear Mike,
I can't think of a person who is more blessed then you are. (No pun intended, ha ha). We are all behind you. I love how you put everything into perspective. There is no flowered song and dance. You explain everything just as it is.
I think of you every day. And pray for you all the time. You have touched so many lives through out your lifetime. As you continue with this journey, I know you will touch that many more.
Lots of Love from MI
Jennifer
hi mike, this is lisa & tim we came to your benifit on sat. im as so thrilled for you. we will keep you in out thoughts and prayers. if you recall, we traveled to north east china for stem cell injections. i have no hesitation when i tell you it helped tim greatly. we have a long road ahead of us still, but we are still moving forward!!! as requested, here is my email address, kunzmann8024@hotmail.com. please drop us a note upon your return home, or sooner! i know you will be very busy. we both look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best.i will be checking your blog as well....may god bless you and be with you always. lisa & tim o'connor
DEAR MIKE,
WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK, AND
SINCERELY HOPE, THE PROCEDURE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL FOR YOU, A DEAR,SWEET,KIND,CONSIDERATE,
COMPASSIONATE HUMAN BEING. WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU AND VERY
ANXIOUS TO HEAR THE GOOD NEWS.
LOVE AND HUGS, FRANCINE AND DAVID
DEAR MIKE,
IT WAS GOOD SEEING YOU AT THE
RUMBLE-THON, I DO WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE ALL GOES WELL FOR YOU. HAVE A GOOD TRIP,
AND REMEMBER WE ARE ALL PULLING
FOR YOU.
LOVE AND BEST WISHES, RUTH MARTIN
Dear Mike and Maria I think of you everyday and it has taken me this long to get on the web site . I am so glad to hear your spirit speaking in all of your updates and how wonderful you sound. I miss you at the hospital my friend. I will come to visit when you get home I will bring lunch as I have missed my lunch partner. My prayers and thoughts have been with you both through out this journey and it is as always amazing to watch how God works with you and through you. Maria how are you doing? I look forward to speaking and seeing you both my love and parayers Kit
cousin mike, we continue to pray every nite for your recovery. we are so encouraged by your reports and look forward to the day we get to see you and maria again!! Praise God for ALL He has done!! love you(s), jeff and jan
Michael, The best is yet to be! Love you, Maria
Dad,
You ARE the best! I like your song.
-Elizabeth
I hope many others will join in and give from their hearts and pockets. Mike is a fantastic guy, a wonderful friend, and he needs to be around for a long, long time. After all, who else would I tease?!
Blessings my friend,
Lynn
I am eager to see the money get raised so that Mike can go to Thailand. Over the past few years I have seen Mike's physical strength diminish, but his emotional and spiritual strength has increased tenfold!
Mike, grace and peace be with you and yours. I'm getting the word out in Vermont!!! love, lynn
Hi Michael,
This is me Doreen from NY. Remember me Maria's soccer buddy, hahaha. We all wish you the best of luck and we know in our hearts you are going to be fine. It may be scary, but we really do belive that you are going to pull through this and you are going to come back stronger then ever!!
Love doreen, randy and jessy
We love you and support you in prayer, we can not wait to see you again. We have faith in you and your recovery.
Jeff says, "Go Mike"
Love,
Jeff and Jan
Photo by Eric Hasert
The Rev. Michael Rumble comforts Louise Hudson, 65, who is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at the St. Lucie Medical Center. Rumble has cardiomyopathy, and is seeking an alternative treatment, involving stem cells, not available in the U.S.
Rumble makes his living as director of spiritual care at both hospitals in St. Lucie County. Part of his work is ministering to dying patients and their families, a role that he describes as "midwifing souls to a new life."
But his own heart is failing. It is swollen in his chest because a condition known as cardiomyopathy has robbed much of its ability to pump out blood.
"The average life expectancy of someone with cardiomyopathy is five years and I've lasted 15 years," Rumble said.
He plans to journey to Bangkok, Thailand, in a few weeks to get a procedure that has not received Food and Drug Administration approval in the U.S. It will involve harvesting a type of stem cell from Rumble's blood that is believed to induce the growth of new heart blood vessels and tissue. The cells will be multiplied in a culture, then injected into the part of his heart that needs repair.
The company marketing the treatment, TheraVitae Ltd., states that about 75 percent of patients gain "substantial improvements" in their quality of life.
Rumble's cardiologist, Dr. Prasad Chalasani of Port St. Lucie, told Rumble he should get on a waiting list for a heart transplant. But Rumble said he doesn't want somebody else's heart beating in his chest.
Rumble traces his heart disease to 1989, when he was diagnosed with leukemia while living in Kentucky. His brother Marc volunteered to donate bone marrow for a transplant that was a perfect match. But Rumble said that a strong chemotherapy drug given as part of leukemia treatments weakened his heart.
This became apparent in 1995, when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the weakened heart muscle can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Heart output is measured by ejection fraction -- the percentage of blood volume a heart can pump when its muscle contracts. Rumble said his ejection fraction is 17 percent; Chalasani said a normal heart pumps 60 percent.
"This guy is amazing," said Chalasani, who is not affiliated with TheraVitae. "With his heart-pumping ability, it's amazing that he is still working. Most of the people with this condition would be on disability."
Chalasani said every person's body contains stem cells that mature into specific types of tissue. These include angiogenic cell precursors, which induce the growth of blood vessels and heart muscle. These are the cells that will be harvested from Rumble's blood, multiplied, and injected into his heart through a small chest incision.
The goal of the treatment, Chalasani said, would be to duplicate the body's own healing "on a very magnified scale and in a place where it would not otherwise have happened."
Such stem cell therapy is being researched in U.S. laboratories. But Jerry Steele, TheraVitae's patient relations manager, estimated it will be five years before it gains FDA approval.
Steele said his company's treatments cost about $35,000 and can offer hope to patients who can't wait.
"A lot of our patients aren't eligible for a heart transplant," Steele said. "They're either too old or their heart muscle is too weak. They have no other options.
"We can't make (the heart) normal again," Steele said. "But we do improve it."
BENEFIT FOR HEART TREATMENT
The Rev. Michael Rumble suffers from a condition that has left his heart operating at a fraction of normal efficiency. He plans to travel to a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, April 28 for a treatment not readily available in the U.S. Rumble and his friends hope to raise money for the treatment by inviting the public to a "Rumble-thon Family Fun Day."
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday April 5th
Place: Frederick Douglass Beach Park, 3500 S. State Road A1A, Fort Pierce
Donations, food: Donations collected per plate. Food includes barbecue pork, chicken, hot dogs, potato salad and other picnic dishes.
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