Michael Madds Road To Freedom
Donation protected
My name is Jimmy and I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of Mike Maddaloni and his wife Leslie Marshall.
As many of you know Mike and Leslie owned and operated a driving school and have positively influenced the lives of hundreds of teens. They chose to remain family staffed in order to establish bonds with their students, students families and community. What was not well known is the fact that Mike was diagnosed with end stage renal disease 11 years ago. After learning he would require daily dialysis he chose to continue working full time masking his his fatigue and suffering rather than apply for disability.
In August of 2018 after suffering a heart event Mike required a risky double heart valve replacement. During the surgery he suffered a stroke. Following medical advise from their trusted team Leslie fought for a year to maintain their business hoping that Mike would recover fully and they could resume their search for a kidney transplant. Mike spent over 1.5 years in between hospitals and rehab facilities fighting to survive, regain strength, learn to speak again - once again he beat the odds and surpassed initial expectations. In July of 2019 while enduring 16-18 hour work days Leslie lost her father and was forced to accept the realization that Mike would not fully recover, would require care 24/7 and would not be able to return to work Leslie made the difficult decision to close the business.
For the first time in 9 years their priority shifted from their business and students to Mikes care and rehabilitation. He was forced to endure multiple surgeries including revascularizations due to complete leg blockages, spinal surgery to repair a fracture sustained in rehab, and dialysis catheter replacement surgery after his catheter was damaged during care in the rehab. He also battled severe complications including sepsis and peritonitis. In over two years he has never been able to return to his home.
Disability was then applied for but has not been obtained. In effort to keep their townhouse and vehicles they have depleted their savings accounts. As you can imagine the medical costs are astronomical and continue to accumulate. In order to meet everyday expenses they have been selling off personal items.
In the meanwhile Mikes health and emotional stability have continued to decline. He suffers from severe weakness, weight loss, lack of appetite, depression, muscular deterioration, overall fatigue, chronic pain and speech aphasia. His daily care has become quite overwhelming and challenging for Leslie as his needs increase. Sadly, Mike has had zero support from his immediate family throughout the past 11 years. They have also lost several very close friends leaving them with a limited support team.
They recently learned that Mike was no longer eligible for kidney transplant , ironically due to medical conditions caused by his kidney failure. Faced with no hope for transplant, chronic pain, and severely diminished quality of life the agonizing decision has been made to choose hospice care. This means dialysis will stop and only comfort care will be given.
Unfortunately with the diagnosis of end stage renal disease life insurance becomes impossible. Faced with years of medical expenses, lack of disability/income and dwindling savings Leslie is struggling to make ends meet. She is now facing inevitable and rather sudden funeral arrangements.
If you know Leslie and Mike you know they have asked very little of anybody. They are two of the most generous, caring people anyone would want to know. Throughout this they have remained willing and have often jumped in to help others during time of need and have made huge sacrifices for loved ones in their circle. A majority of times their needs have gone unnoticed and most often are never spoken.
Right now they need us and I am stepping in to be their voice. Mike needs to be able to complete his journey and end his fight knowing that we care and are supporting them. He would find comfort knowing that Leslie will have a vehicle and roof over her head, that she will have help with remaining medical bills and that he will be able to have the type of funeral he wants and deserves. Please consider donating, every little bit helps and will be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate please consider sharing this post and help to spread the word. We also welcome positive support and believe in the power of prayer. We also ask that if you know Mike personally and you have any special memories, stories, pictures to share you reach out to Leslie. Please hold on to your loved ones closely - life is way too short and can change in the blink of an eye!
As many of you know Mike and Leslie owned and operated a driving school and have positively influenced the lives of hundreds of teens. They chose to remain family staffed in order to establish bonds with their students, students families and community. What was not well known is the fact that Mike was diagnosed with end stage renal disease 11 years ago. After learning he would require daily dialysis he chose to continue working full time masking his his fatigue and suffering rather than apply for disability.
In August of 2018 after suffering a heart event Mike required a risky double heart valve replacement. During the surgery he suffered a stroke. Following medical advise from their trusted team Leslie fought for a year to maintain their business hoping that Mike would recover fully and they could resume their search for a kidney transplant. Mike spent over 1.5 years in between hospitals and rehab facilities fighting to survive, regain strength, learn to speak again - once again he beat the odds and surpassed initial expectations. In July of 2019 while enduring 16-18 hour work days Leslie lost her father and was forced to accept the realization that Mike would not fully recover, would require care 24/7 and would not be able to return to work Leslie made the difficult decision to close the business.
For the first time in 9 years their priority shifted from their business and students to Mikes care and rehabilitation. He was forced to endure multiple surgeries including revascularizations due to complete leg blockages, spinal surgery to repair a fracture sustained in rehab, and dialysis catheter replacement surgery after his catheter was damaged during care in the rehab. He also battled severe complications including sepsis and peritonitis. In over two years he has never been able to return to his home.
Disability was then applied for but has not been obtained. In effort to keep their townhouse and vehicles they have depleted their savings accounts. As you can imagine the medical costs are astronomical and continue to accumulate. In order to meet everyday expenses they have been selling off personal items.
In the meanwhile Mikes health and emotional stability have continued to decline. He suffers from severe weakness, weight loss, lack of appetite, depression, muscular deterioration, overall fatigue, chronic pain and speech aphasia. His daily care has become quite overwhelming and challenging for Leslie as his needs increase. Sadly, Mike has had zero support from his immediate family throughout the past 11 years. They have also lost several very close friends leaving them with a limited support team.
They recently learned that Mike was no longer eligible for kidney transplant , ironically due to medical conditions caused by his kidney failure. Faced with no hope for transplant, chronic pain, and severely diminished quality of life the agonizing decision has been made to choose hospice care. This means dialysis will stop and only comfort care will be given.
Unfortunately with the diagnosis of end stage renal disease life insurance becomes impossible. Faced with years of medical expenses, lack of disability/income and dwindling savings Leslie is struggling to make ends meet. She is now facing inevitable and rather sudden funeral arrangements.
If you know Leslie and Mike you know they have asked very little of anybody. They are two of the most generous, caring people anyone would want to know. Throughout this they have remained willing and have often jumped in to help others during time of need and have made huge sacrifices for loved ones in their circle. A majority of times their needs have gone unnoticed and most often are never spoken.
Right now they need us and I am stepping in to be their voice. Mike needs to be able to complete his journey and end his fight knowing that we care and are supporting them. He would find comfort knowing that Leslie will have a vehicle and roof over her head, that she will have help with remaining medical bills and that he will be able to have the type of funeral he wants and deserves. Please consider donating, every little bit helps and will be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to donate please consider sharing this post and help to spread the word. We also welcome positive support and believe in the power of prayer. We also ask that if you know Mike personally and you have any special memories, stories, pictures to share you reach out to Leslie. Please hold on to your loved ones closely - life is way too short and can change in the blink of an eye!
Organizer and beneficiary
JImmy Verity
Organizer
Schaumburg, IL
Leslie Marshall
Beneficiary