Big Kev Fundraiser

We are fundraising for our friend Kevin Mikkelson aka Big Rockn' Kev to help support his quality of life living with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). This condition has drastically changed his life, making it impossible for him to work and requiring costly equipment and adaptations for his home.

Funds raised will be held in trust, ensuring they go directly towards improving his quality of life. From mobility aids to necessary furniture and basic needs, every contribution counts. Big Kev has spent 20 years building a vibrant life in Whistler, and we want to help him stay in his beloved community.

Your support can make a real difference in his journey. Please consider donating to help Big Kev navigate this difficult chapter with dignity and comfort. Click below to read his story. Let's show Big Kev some love!

Thank you in advance for your support!

Big Kev's Story:

I am originally from Thornhill, Ontario, headed West to Banff for over a decade and have lived in Whistler since 2005. Over the past two decades, I have worked for Whistler Hardware, iHost, Black's Pub, Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Whistler Question, Whistler Film Festival, The Point Artist Run Centre, and more. Whistler is my home, and my community. My goal is to stay here as long as I possibly can.

On September 27th, 2023, after nine months of gradually onsetting symptoms, including a 10 day visit with the lovely folks in the neurology department at LionsGate Hospital, I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS).

With MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, known as myelin. This interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

My current symptoms include numbness/tingling in my hands and feet, electric-shock sensations that happen with certain neck movements, lack of dexterity and coordination, trouble with walking and balance, weakness on my right side, vertigo, bowel and bladder function issues, fatigue, and troubles with memory, thinking and brain fog.

As the original symptoms slowly presented themselves to me, l added a cane to help maintain my stability when l walked. At the end of my 10-day visit with neurology, my parting gift was a 4-wheel walker. While this new addition to my daily routine helped make my mobility better, the MS was twisting my right foot, and as a result, l was walking on the side of my foot without realizing it. This developed a callous which became infected, necessitating a 60 day and a 50 day stay at Lions Gate Hospital, split by a 25 day stint in at Squamish General.

My parting gift from my 50-day stretch was an offloading AFO Brace and a wheelchair. Walking is at a bare minimum now, and l rely on a power wheelchair for mobility.

Each day is a new adventure, with all my symptoms vying for attention, filled with ever-changing challenges. I believe the best that I can do is face each day and step up to the challenges before me as best I can. I am grateful for the support of my friends and community.