Help Michael and Pam: A Series of Unimaginable Events

Help Michael & Pam: A Paralyzed Veteran and His Wife Are Trapped Without Help

Michael proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1986, including time at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and in the reserves. During his service, he earned the Army Service Ribbon and qualified as a Sharpshooter with the M16 rifle—a testament to his strength, skill, and commitment.

In 1994, Michael was hit by a drunk driver on his way to work at 5 AM. At just 29 years old, the crash left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors predicted he wouldn’t survive more than five years.

But they didn’t know Michael.

For over 25 years, with his electric wheelchair and Pam—his wife and sole caregiver—by his side, Michael lived a life of dignity and independence. He fished, went shopping, traveled, and enjoyed the outdoors—as much as one disability check would allow—proving the value of a simple life filled with love, resilience, and the freedom to move beyond four walls.

️ Then Disaster Struck… Again.

In 2019, a tree crashed through the roof of their rented home—landing directly on Michael while he sat at his computer desk. It broke his shoulder, ribs, and femur (which went undiagnosed). His custom wheelchair was destroyed. While he was in the hospital, their home was looted, and his computer was stolen. When they returned, the house was condemned, and they lost everything.

Through local support, they were able to relocate to a new rental in Ocala, FL, and started over… briefly.

Disaster Strikes Again...

️ 2020–2024: From Mobile to Bedridden

A few months later, while Pam was helping Michael transfer from bed to wheelchair, his femur snapped completely. Michael was rushed to the ER and ultimately into surgery, where doctors performed a botched operation—bolting a rod from hip to knee, leaving the leg awkwardly turned, somewhat straight, and locked at both joints.

He’s been unable to sit up ever since.

25 years in a wheelchair—and in one failed swoop, he ends up bedridden. The medical team never even attempted to fix his leg again so he could sit up. He became invisible.

Michael has now been bedridden for over four years and suffers from:

⚠️ Severe bedsores and chronic infections (C. diff, sepsis)

Frequent ER visits

Inability to sit upright or leave his bed

⛔ Little access to treatment or follow-up care due to lack of transportation

Despite it all, they continue to survive on one disability check, with no in-home care beyond basic wound dressing. Pam—now 63—does everything else herself while battling her own health issues.

What They Urgently Need:

Medical transport to visit specialists and receive proper evaluation (Michael can’t sit, so stretcher transport is essential—and expensive)

Infection treatment and possible surgical intervention (Michael is willing if it means regaining the ability to use a wheelchair)

Affordable, accessible housing for Michael and Pam

(With rent going up Michael lives in fear of being separated from Pam and institutionalized)

Home care support for Pam—she is collapsing under the strain

⚖️ Legal assistance or advocacy to understand and apply for government benefits they may be entitled to but have never accessed

A Personal Note from me (Karen Hollon)

I met Michael and Pam years ago while helping them find a rental after the tree hit their home. I couldn’t believe their story: paralyzed by a drunk driver, surviving decades with incredible spirit, and then struck again—literally—while sitting at his desk.

From the very beginning, they apologized for needing help. They’ve never once asked “Why me?” They’ve never asked for more than basic needs—a roof, basic care, a way to see a doctor. Often, it is something as simple as needing a prescription picked up because home care leaves paper prescriptions.

They haven’t been to a hairdresser, a dentist, an eye doctor, or even out to dinner in years. Michael hasn’t left his bedroom in nearly five years, except by ambulance. They’ve received no consistent help, no government advocate, no proper in-home care—and they’ve made do on one disability check. (By the way, Pam is unable to drive after suffering from what may have been a mini-stroke while driving to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. The car was totaled.)

This fundraiser isn’t for luxuries—it’s about survival, dignity, and a chance at healing.

Why I'm Asking for Your Help

Anyone who knows me knows how many attorneys, charities, hospitals, doctors, and kind-hearted friends I’ve called on to help this couple. I’ve knocked on every door I could find.

At one point, I told an administrator at the VA Hospital that I was at the end of my rope. His response? “That’s because it is the end.” I sat at his desk and cried.

Without a professional advocate—someone with the expertise (and funding) to navigate these impossible systems—there’s nowhere else for them to turn. This situation is beyond my abilities, and now, I’m asking for your help.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Your donation—no matter how small—can help:

Provide medical transportation

Get Michael evaluated and treated by the right doctors

Ensure that Pam gets the help and rest she desperately needs

Keep them together in a safe, affordable home

⚖️ Fund a legal advocate to fight for the benefits and care they’ve been denied

If you can’t donate, please share their story. Every share brings them closer to hope.

Thank you for being a voice for those the system has forgotten.