Hope 4 Hoge

Everyone in the Theta Chi chapter at USC knows Michal Hoge to be an integral leader and role model in our fraternity. Many more know him as one of the greatest friends one could have. Unfortunately, Michal suffered a horrific injury last summer after breaking his neck in an unforeseen accident. Michal was at a friend’s house when he dove into a pool that was too shallow for diving, which Michal was unaware of, causing him to fracture his C5 and C7 vertebrae, as well as shatter his C6.

 

Michal was in and out of intensive care for several weeks, but after fighting incredibly hard, he is now at full mental capacity and spent several months rehabilitating his entire body at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Michal is registered as a quadriplegic.

 

Michal is one of the kindest, most hard working, and caring kids you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. Just to give anyone who may not know Michal some insight to his effect on others, within a week of his accident more than 1500 people had joined a Facebook group dedicated to showing support and updating others on his condition. Last fall his high school alma mater raised over $20,000 during a football game that went towards Shepherd Center and his family’s medical bills, further showing the impact he has had on so many.

 

In honor of Michal’s tragic injury, our fraternity is putting on the Hope 4 Hoge Volleyball Tournament Fundraiser. The purpose of this event is to raise money for the Shepherd Center and to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries in general. It is because of places like Shepherd that allow for those physically disabled to get the help they need and the ability to move forward.

 

Thank you to everyone who has already reached out to Michal and his family and to everyone willing to donate to their cause. The brothers of Theta Chi can’t tell you enough how much everyone’s support means to them.