Help Erin Recover from the Loss of Her Husband
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Update #2: Charles Michael (Mike) Hackenmiller passed away on April 25th, 2021 at 5:34 PM with his wife Erin by his side. His breathing tube was removed by his physicians and he soon slipped gently from this world. It's a consolation that, as a registered organ donor, his tragic passing will help up to 80 people continue living, fight illnesses, and regain their sight.
We're left investigating all of the medical bills, cremation and funeral costs, and, potentially, Mike's debts (such as his car loan and credits cards) that are now Erin's responsibility. We do not yet know what (and how much) these will be but can provide general details when we have them. While Mike did have a life insurance policy, it may very well not be enough to handle these expenses. Additionally, the last two weeks have been utterly devastating for Erin, and she will also use the proceeds of this fundraiser to allow her a small amount of time away from her work so that she may begin healing. (Having just begun her current position mere days before Mike's accident, it's very unlikely that she qualifies for FMLA.) This will include paying her recurring bills such as rent and her car loan, and for other general living expenses like food. Although we've gone over and above our initial goal of $20,000(!), every additional dollar gives Erin more peace of mind about her and Mike's bills while she grieves and is incredibly helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns about how the funds for this fundraiser will be utilized, please reach out to our fundraising team: You can message us with the "Contact" button.
Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much to everyone for their support during this extraordinarily difficult time. It means the world to us. Love you all.
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Update #1: Tragically, test results received from Providence Medical Center several days after the creation of this fundraiser have indicated that Mike sustained catastrophic brain trauma during his anaphylactic reaction and subsequent cardiac arrest, and he will be unable to regain consciousness. Mike's wife Erin and his immediate family have made the decision to terminate life support in the coming days, and per his wishes he will be donating his organs to those in need.
Because we can no longer provide financial assistance for Mike's rehabilitation, the aim of this fundraiser is to address any of Mike's medical bills that Erin will be responsible for, as well as to help give her time to begin to heal from her immense grief from the loss of her husband before she returns to work. Namely, the proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards helping her with her bills, rent, etc. With our profound gratitude, thank you everyone for your help. ❤
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Original post: Newlyweds Mike and Erin were married on January 23rd, 2021, a beautiful sunny day along the riverside by Mike’s parents' home in Pateros, Washington. Surrounded by family, their wedding was a declaration of love and a promise of their future together – soon to include a honeymoon in Cabo, a backpacking trip Mike promised to take Erin on, and the children they've dreamed of having together.
On April 14th, Mike came home from work with a slight headache and took two ibuprofen. An undiagnosed allergy led to anaphylactic shock and emergency services were called. Paramedics arrived at their home quickly, just as Mike went into cardiac arrest; CPR was administered for 15 minutes before his heart restarted. He was rushed to the hospital and has been in a coma in the ICU ever since. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic Erin and their families haven't been able to be with him, and their only form of contact has been speaking to Mike over speakerphone in the hopes their voices will wake him. Each day they hope for a little bit of progress and continue calling for updates from medical staff.
We’re holding onto hope that Mike will wake up. He will face a long road to recovery, needing intensive occupational and physical therapy. Although Mike currently has health insurance, his out-of-pocket medical expenses will still be very high. We’re asking for help in any way possible, but financial donations will help with hospital bills, recurring medical treatments, and covering the usual life needs of rent and bills, as both Mike and Erin will be limited in their ability to work.
Please help us support Mike and Erin through this difficult time. A one time or recurring donation will aid in helping focus on Mike’s recovery through this process.
We're left investigating all of the medical bills, cremation and funeral costs, and, potentially, Mike's debts (such as his car loan and credits cards) that are now Erin's responsibility. We do not yet know what (and how much) these will be but can provide general details when we have them. While Mike did have a life insurance policy, it may very well not be enough to handle these expenses. Additionally, the last two weeks have been utterly devastating for Erin, and she will also use the proceeds of this fundraiser to allow her a small amount of time away from her work so that she may begin healing. (Having just begun her current position mere days before Mike's accident, it's very unlikely that she qualifies for FMLA.) This will include paying her recurring bills such as rent and her car loan, and for other general living expenses like food. Although we've gone over and above our initial goal of $20,000(!), every additional dollar gives Erin more peace of mind about her and Mike's bills while she grieves and is incredibly helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns about how the funds for this fundraiser will be utilized, please reach out to our fundraising team: You can message us with the "Contact" button.
Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much to everyone for their support during this extraordinarily difficult time. It means the world to us. Love you all.
--
Update #1: Tragically, test results received from Providence Medical Center several days after the creation of this fundraiser have indicated that Mike sustained catastrophic brain trauma during his anaphylactic reaction and subsequent cardiac arrest, and he will be unable to regain consciousness. Mike's wife Erin and his immediate family have made the decision to terminate life support in the coming days, and per his wishes he will be donating his organs to those in need.
Because we can no longer provide financial assistance for Mike's rehabilitation, the aim of this fundraiser is to address any of Mike's medical bills that Erin will be responsible for, as well as to help give her time to begin to heal from her immense grief from the loss of her husband before she returns to work. Namely, the proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards helping her with her bills, rent, etc. With our profound gratitude, thank you everyone for your help. ❤
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Original post: Newlyweds Mike and Erin were married on January 23rd, 2021, a beautiful sunny day along the riverside by Mike’s parents' home in Pateros, Washington. Surrounded by family, their wedding was a declaration of love and a promise of their future together – soon to include a honeymoon in Cabo, a backpacking trip Mike promised to take Erin on, and the children they've dreamed of having together.
On April 14th, Mike came home from work with a slight headache and took two ibuprofen. An undiagnosed allergy led to anaphylactic shock and emergency services were called. Paramedics arrived at their home quickly, just as Mike went into cardiac arrest; CPR was administered for 15 minutes before his heart restarted. He was rushed to the hospital and has been in a coma in the ICU ever since. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic Erin and their families haven't been able to be with him, and their only form of contact has been speaking to Mike over speakerphone in the hopes their voices will wake him. Each day they hope for a little bit of progress and continue calling for updates from medical staff.
We’re holding onto hope that Mike will wake up. He will face a long road to recovery, needing intensive occupational and physical therapy. Although Mike currently has health insurance, his out-of-pocket medical expenses will still be very high. We’re asking for help in any way possible, but financial donations will help with hospital bills, recurring medical treatments, and covering the usual life needs of rent and bills, as both Mike and Erin will be limited in their ability to work.
Please help us support Mike and Erin through this difficult time. A one time or recurring donation will aid in helping focus on Mike’s recovery through this process.
Fundraising team (2)
Jason Van Dyck
Organizer
Snohomish, WA
Erin Van Dyck
Beneficiary
Alex Ki
Team member