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Help Chef Mike Beat the Odds

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My brother-in-law, Mike, needs our help. Just over one month ago, he suffered a massive stroke, completely out-of-the-blue, and has been in critical condition ever since. At just 51, he and my sister have their pre-retirement and then retirement years to look forward to, but now it’s going to be like nothing they could’ve imagined.

My sister, Stacy, has been at his side every day since this happened. Mike is currently receiving care at one of the best brain trauma hospitals in the province. However, it is a 1.5-hr commute from their home each way. As a result, Stacy is no longer able to work. She has arranged for temporary accommodations nearby the hospital so she can be with him as much as possible and remains without income until his condition stabilizes.

This has been a traumatic time for our family. Mike is the brother-in-law siblings hope for: easy-going, fun-loving and there for you in a heartbeat. He and my sister are obsessed with each other and model what marriage is all about: mutual respect, unwavering commitment and unconditional love. Mike is a loving father and stepfather to his son, Seth, daughter, Mykaila, and my two nieces, Brooklynn and Ryleigh. He is also an adoring puppy dad to his two mini dachshunds, Dexter and Finnegan, who have missed him terribly.

Mike, a.k.a. Chef Mike, is known for his love of food. He has been exceptionally proud of Curly Kale Eatery, his very own restaurant in the heart of Chilliwack's Vedder Crossing community. Taking a farm-to-table approach, Mike shared his success with the local bakery, Magpie's, and the countless farmers, butchers, and wineries who supported him by featuring their names on the restaurant's feature wall. Over the past few years, the impact of the pandemic on small restaurants like Curly Kale Eatery had a devastating effect. Earlier this year, Mike decided it was time to move on -- next up was to fulfill his dream of opening his own food truck to continue his passion through his 50s and into his semi-retirement.

That dream has now been sidelined, but we are all so hopeful that one day, Mike will be able to wield his knives again.

Currently, he remains in critical condition, being monitored 24-7. He has suffered some setbacks that have required further intervention, including a craniotomy to relieve his brain's swelling, which led to further damage. As the medical team observed ongoing difficulty with swallowing and coughing, he underwent a tracheotomy to help prevent further infections. Despite these setbacks, he is working daily to relearn basic motor functions, such as moving his fingers and toes. He has been progressing, albeit slowly. He remains unable to eat on his own and is unable to speak. Mike has an incredible will and determination and surprises us daily as he fights to recover. As with most severe brain injuries, this will be an exceptionally long road ahead.

We are hopeful that with time and support, he will fully recover and resume many of the activities he loves to do with my sister, including hiking, traveling, camping, walking the dogs, and of course, cooking.

Monies raised through this fund will be directed towards car payments, mortgage payments, ongoing rehab therapy, mental health support, and significant modifications to their home, including the possibility of installing lift equipment.

Please check out the photos below, including a short video clip of Mike behind the grill at Curly Kale Eatery, doing what he does best (Mike comes in at 5:37; credit: Fraser Valley Eats). We truly hope you will get a sense of who he is and his zest for life through the pictures and video shared.

As Mike continues his fight to recover, your support is more than appreciated - it means the world.














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Donations 

  • Sean Anderson
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
  • Timothy Clayton
    • $50
    • 2 yrs
  • gina chiarelli
    • $200
    • 2 yrs
  • Lynn Brooks
    • $50
    • 2 yrs
  • LeeJane Davis
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Courtney McGillion
Organizer
Chilliwack, BC
Stacy Slanzi
Beneficiary

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