#GoFundMike

One of my dearest friends could use a George Bailey-sized miracle.

Michael has always been the go-to person to provide moral support and encouragement to others, and throughout his life, he has given of himself to help those in most desperate need. Early in his career, he worked for Child Protective Services. Several years ago, he and his wife, Carmen, adopted their young niece, stepping in as a lifeline of love and support. Where there was one daughter, now they had two, and their family was complete.

For the past eleven years, Michael has worked as a parole officer, serving firsthand to help in the areas of society most of us don’t want to think about, sometimes at personal risk to him and his family.

Throughout this time, he has dealt with serious health issues, including pulmonary embolisms in 2007, which he was lucky to survive, but caused significant memory loss.

Over the past year, Michael’s family has reached a point where help is needed. In early 2021, he suffered a fall, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, and was placed on leave at work. During that time, he also required surgeries to address issues with his gallbladder and kidneys. Ultimately, Michael is now permanently disabled.

At the core is rheumatoid disease, causing arthritis, bone deformation, and joint and bone degeneration. (Carmen has this as well.) With this condition, the body’s immune system is out of control, attacking everything as if were a virus. He receives monthly chemo infusions to combat the disease, which only slows down the attack. He now must rely on a motorized scooter.

Both Michael and Carmen also have fibromyalgia, which causes constant pain and fatigue.

As you can imagine, securing financial relief (Social Security Disability, for instance) involves a lot of red tape, isn't guaranteed, and has not arrived in a timely manner to address mounting medical and other expenses. They have exhausted their savings. While Carmen is currently looking for work, her medical conditions, being out of the workforce for over 20 years, and caring for Michael, make this difficult.

If you would, please consider supporting Michael and his family with prayer, resource help, and financial assistance as you are able. Every bit will help relieve their burden. I pray that you will be blessed as well.