Coach Walk’s Road To Recovery

Coach Mike Walker, an amazing human, coach and mentor is hoping to focus more on recovery from emergency back surgery and less on financial stress. His youngest daughter, a standout track and volleyball student-athlete is on course to attend Clark College on a partial volleyball scholarship and to pursue a degree in journalism/environmental studies, but medical expenses will make it difficult for the family to provide adequate funding in the upcoming year. When Mike Walker played and coached football for Washington State University and the Canadian Football League, he did it with all his body, heart and soul. Now, he brings the same passion to middle schoolers in the Highline School District in his role as Dean of Student Success and coach. Unfortunately, while visiting his wife and youngest daughter who still live in Pullman, Mike found himself dealing with an emergency medical crisis. Mike was diagnosed with a spinal cord compression in 3 different locations, meaning he was born with vertebrae too large for his discs. Paralysis was imminent so Mike and his wife were flown to Seattle and Mike underwent a 12 hour emergency surgery to repair 2 of the 3 most critical issues. This first surgery will require months of recovery and physical therapy, which means missing nearly 2 months of work and mounting medical bills, in addition to transportation costs for his family to visit him since his daughter is graduating from Pullman High School 5 hours away. Additionally, Mike will also need a second surgery in the next few months to repair the spinal cord compression in his neck - this was identified as an emergency issue prior to the other spinal areas being deemed more critical and is still preventing full use of his hands. Mike’s family is working hard to be reunited in the Seattle/Tacoma area in order to assist him with his recovery this summer and help their daughter succeed in college. Please consider helping as you are able, and know how much every little bit is appreciated!