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Charley Mikesell - TN Warrior Fund

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Charley Mikesell has always been the example of selfless service to others and indescribable courage.   From the age of 5 until the age of 19, he and his older brothers Trevor and Bill helped care for their mother, Sandra, who suffered from end stage renal disease.  All of us who knew the Mikesells loved their mother and were amazed at the level of maturity and responsibility the Mikesell boys exhibited at such an early age.  They didn't simply complete the mundane tasks around the house so she could rest; they actually performed basic medical procedures to treat her illness and ease her pain.  It was during this time that Charley was introduced to nephrology that would later become his career.  

Although Mrs. Mikesell suffered from a disease that sapped her strength, discolored her skin, and often took her hair, she herself was an amazing inspiration in that she was determined that her boys would be involved in outside activities, and that she would be right in the middle of everything they did.  She was a constant presence at the Blanchard ballpark with her lawnchair, blankets, and colorful beanies.  She was probably most famous, however, for making Homecoming corsages for her boys and all their friends for rock-bottom prices.   She was an inspiration to everyone, especially when she led Charley's recovery from the first major tragedy in his life - the loss of an eye.

Just before Charley's 14th birthday, he was swinging a golf club in his backyard when the unthinkable happened.  The head of the club swung through a patch of high weeds and struck a hidden glass coke bottle.  The bottle immediately shattered sending glass shards directly into Charley's right eye and face.   Obviously, Charley's life changed forever on that day.  He experienced several surgeries as well as bouts of depression as his new reality sank in minute by minute.  It didn't take long, however, before Charley drew from the strength and courage of his mother to not just recover, but to begin attempting to reach his goal of becoming a productive member of his high school football team.  Since Charley's injury precluded positions that required contact from tackling or being tackled, he spent countless hours perfecting the art of punting and field goal kicking.  He eventually gained his doctors' medical release and became the starting varsity kicker for the Northwood Falcons football team.

Charley graduated from Northwood High School in May of 1990.  He attained several degrees including, but not not limited to Nursing, Neuro, and Psychology, between the years of 1995 and 2009.  

Mrs. Sandra Mikesell succombed to her lengthy illness on October 31, 1990, but not before she left a legacy of strength, character, and courage that her sons, especially Charley, would need to face the challenges in their lives.  

On the morning of October 26, 2011, Charley was on his way to work on Benton Rd when he witnessed an accident involving a female and her two small children.  He and a few passersby quickly went into action to stop traffic and stabilize the victims.  After breaking his way into the backseat of the vehicle and caring for the children, Charley exited the vehicle at which time he was struck by a drunk driver sending him 150 feet off the road.  He was airlifted to the hospital where they discovered that most of the bones above his waist were broken, shattered, or cracked.  Because of the severity of his injuries, the doctors eventually recommended that he go home and get on disability.

Charley went through a lengthy recovery, but refused to give up on the idea of never working again.   A year later he returned to work.   His days were long and often painful, but he drew strength through helping others.  Little did he know that God had not just allowed him to return to work to fulfill his mission of serving others, but it was at work that God introduced him to a very special lady, Leah Cooper Knowles.  

While Charley's personal life was definitely on the upswing with Leah around, the pain throughout his body was a constant reminder that something was just not right.  Severe pain on the left side of his face often left him debilitated for hours at a time.  In 2014, he was diagnosed with atypical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) on the left side of his face.  TN is often called "the suicide disease" and is described as the most devastating pain known to man.  This is an extremely rare disease for which there is little or no cure.

Charley and Leah were married shortly after this diagnosis, and Charley continued to work in an attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy in his life.  Fifteen months later Charley began experiencing severe pain on the right side of his face and was diagnosed with typical TN.  This second diagnosis has obviously made Charley's situation even more difficult.

Trigeminal Neuralgia can only be treated using medications and if the root cause can be found procedures might be successful with pain relief.   Doctors believe that Charley's disease has been caused as a result of trauma but can not locate the origin which means he is not a candidate for a procedure. His neurologist has tried many different medications, all of which have caused severe side effects. His compilations at present are severe.  Specialists have been contacted, but say they can not help. His doctors have said there is nothing more they can do.  Even with this debilitating disease Charley has worked full time until two months ago. For the second time in his life he is being told that disability is the only option. He loves what he does. He loves providing for his family. And that is all he wants to do to, go back to being, as he says, "just a nurse" taking care of his patients. 

Charley's first request for short term disability has been denied.  He is currently in the appeal process, which will take several months.  The insurance company has indicated that the appeal will be declined.

Charley and Leah have completely depleted their savings and retirement.  Leah is only making about 1/4 of her normal income due to the time she spends caring for Charley.  Their prayer is not only that Charley is healed and that their financial burdens are lifted, but also that awareness is brought to this terrible disease.

Our goal for Charley and Leah is to raise $100,000 by Charley's birthday, July 29, 2017.  The need for these funds is urgent as they will be used to pay monthly medical bills, their mortgage, utilities, groceries, etc. during this difficult time.  Please know that $100,000 will not keep them out of debt, but Leah is continuing to work as much as possible.  Their total debt is estimated at $225,000.  

Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.


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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $1,000
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Shannon Wall
Organizer
Bossier City, LA
CHARLEY MIKESELL
Beneficiary

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