Support for Michelle, Aran and the boys!
Donation protected
As if living with the uncertainty and stress of COVID-19 isn't enough . . . Aran, Noah (15) and Luke (12) are now living with constant heartbreak and worry over Michelle.
On Tuesday, May 19th, Michelle, who is only 49, had a massive stroke. She was sitting on the couch at home with the boys when she asked Noah to call 911. We don't know why she did that but know that moments later, Michelle was unconscious. She hasn't regained consciousness since. Aran did not get to see her before the ambulance carried her away and he did not get to be with her in person until yesterday (June 3rd) when the hospital finally lifted COVID-19 restrictions (only one person per day can now visit her). Up until yesterday, all we had was video conferencing to get to see Michelle.
We've had tremendous lows since 5/19 when doctors gave us only a 20% likelihood of survival. We've also had beautiful miracles given Michelle's odds for survival is now at 80%. What we don't know, however, is what her quality of life will be once she finally, finally opens her eyes and comes back to us. What we do know is that there is going to be a long, long recovery road ahead for Michelle.
The doctors tell us that a large section of Michelle's brain is irreversibly damaged. This is the portion of her brain that controls reading, writing, speaking, listening, and movement on the right side of her body.
The doctors tell us that two things need to happen for us to get Michelle back to us -- The first thing that needs to happen is that God needs to step in powerfully and fix Michelle's brain so that she is able to learn to use new portions of her brain to read, writing, speak and listen. The part of her brain that she used before the stroke to do these things is permanently damaged (unless God decides to change that!). Therefore, we need God to rework Michelle's brain so that new sections can take on reading, writing, speaking and listening. The second thing that needs to happen is that Michelle is going to need to be fighting hard to make this all happen. This means we are all going to need to be encouraging her to fight through our prayers. This also means that extensive follow up care and therapies are going to be needed.
We're setting us this GoFundMe because Michelle's recovery is going to be a long and grueling journey. Many, many months long. Before the stroke, Michelle and Aran were able to make ends meet because Aran worked lots and lots of overtime while Michelle took care of the boys. Now, however, Aran's ability to work all of this overtime is no longer possible and won't be possible for months and months to come. Finances are now a real worry.
Money from this GoFund will pay for:
1. lost income for Aran while he is unable to work because he is at the hospital and caring for Michelle.
2. care for the boys while Michelle is in this hospital and Aran goes to work. In another week, Aran will have exhausted his vacation/FMLA/COVD-19 leaves so he will need to return to work to pay the bills.
3. acute care for Michelle when she does return home.
4. hospital and treatments that are not covered by insurance.
Again, this is going to be one heck of a journey. If we, as a community, can support Aran financially so that he doesn't worry about money while his heart is torn to shreds, the pressure on Aran will be minimized enormously.
With aloha,
Pat Reid and Robin Pang-Maganaris
Commonly asked questions so you feel legit about donating:
1. Who are you?
Pat is Michelle's cousin (who is really like her brother). He grew up in Hawai'i and is now living in Texas. Robin is Aran's cousin. She also grew up in Hawai'i and is now living in California. Pat flew to Hawai'i to help Aran the day after Michelle's stroke and Robin flew to Hawai'i the day after that. Those of you who are receiving the text updates, Robin is the "updater."
2. How I can reach Pat or Robin with questions? Send a message via GoFundMe and either Pat or Robin will answer right away.
3. How will the funds be spent?
Funds will be managed and spent by Aran. All money that is generated will be deposited straight into an account that Aran and Michelle already have open. 100% of the money will benefit Aran, Michelle and the boys. No one else will touch the money or have access to it.
4. Are there ways to help that doesn't have to do with money?
YES! PRAY! Pray for the following: 1) the pressure in Michelle's brain subsides; 2) blood clots in her arms and legs do not form as a result of being immobile; 3) Michelle regains consciousness; 4) Michelle learns to quickly rewire her brain so that she can get back to being the crazy, sassy pistol that she is. We miss her so much and want her back! 5) pray that God wraps His loving arms around Aran, Noah and Luke, and that all of their worry gets pushed aside, that they trust in His perfect timing, and they only feel His love.
On Tuesday, May 19th, Michelle, who is only 49, had a massive stroke. She was sitting on the couch at home with the boys when she asked Noah to call 911. We don't know why she did that but know that moments later, Michelle was unconscious. She hasn't regained consciousness since. Aran did not get to see her before the ambulance carried her away and he did not get to be with her in person until yesterday (June 3rd) when the hospital finally lifted COVID-19 restrictions (only one person per day can now visit her). Up until yesterday, all we had was video conferencing to get to see Michelle.
We've had tremendous lows since 5/19 when doctors gave us only a 20% likelihood of survival. We've also had beautiful miracles given Michelle's odds for survival is now at 80%. What we don't know, however, is what her quality of life will be once she finally, finally opens her eyes and comes back to us. What we do know is that there is going to be a long, long recovery road ahead for Michelle.
The doctors tell us that a large section of Michelle's brain is irreversibly damaged. This is the portion of her brain that controls reading, writing, speaking, listening, and movement on the right side of her body.
The doctors tell us that two things need to happen for us to get Michelle back to us -- The first thing that needs to happen is that God needs to step in powerfully and fix Michelle's brain so that she is able to learn to use new portions of her brain to read, writing, speak and listen. The part of her brain that she used before the stroke to do these things is permanently damaged (unless God decides to change that!). Therefore, we need God to rework Michelle's brain so that new sections can take on reading, writing, speaking and listening. The second thing that needs to happen is that Michelle is going to need to be fighting hard to make this all happen. This means we are all going to need to be encouraging her to fight through our prayers. This also means that extensive follow up care and therapies are going to be needed.
We're setting us this GoFundMe because Michelle's recovery is going to be a long and grueling journey. Many, many months long. Before the stroke, Michelle and Aran were able to make ends meet because Aran worked lots and lots of overtime while Michelle took care of the boys. Now, however, Aran's ability to work all of this overtime is no longer possible and won't be possible for months and months to come. Finances are now a real worry.
Money from this GoFund will pay for:
1. lost income for Aran while he is unable to work because he is at the hospital and caring for Michelle.
2. care for the boys while Michelle is in this hospital and Aran goes to work. In another week, Aran will have exhausted his vacation/FMLA/COVD-19 leaves so he will need to return to work to pay the bills.
3. acute care for Michelle when she does return home.
4. hospital and treatments that are not covered by insurance.
Again, this is going to be one heck of a journey. If we, as a community, can support Aran financially so that he doesn't worry about money while his heart is torn to shreds, the pressure on Aran will be minimized enormously.
With aloha,
Pat Reid and Robin Pang-Maganaris
Commonly asked questions so you feel legit about donating:
1. Who are you?
Pat is Michelle's cousin (who is really like her brother). He grew up in Hawai'i and is now living in Texas. Robin is Aran's cousin. She also grew up in Hawai'i and is now living in California. Pat flew to Hawai'i to help Aran the day after Michelle's stroke and Robin flew to Hawai'i the day after that. Those of you who are receiving the text updates, Robin is the "updater."
2. How I can reach Pat or Robin with questions? Send a message via GoFundMe and either Pat or Robin will answer right away.
3. How will the funds be spent?
Funds will be managed and spent by Aran. All money that is generated will be deposited straight into an account that Aran and Michelle already have open. 100% of the money will benefit Aran, Michelle and the boys. No one else will touch the money or have access to it.
4. Are there ways to help that doesn't have to do with money?
YES! PRAY! Pray for the following: 1) the pressure in Michelle's brain subsides; 2) blood clots in her arms and legs do not form as a result of being immobile; 3) Michelle regains consciousness; 4) Michelle learns to quickly rewire her brain so that she can get back to being the crazy, sassy pistol that she is. We miss her so much and want her back! 5) pray that God wraps His loving arms around Aran, Noah and Luke, and that all of their worry gets pushed aside, that they trust in His perfect timing, and they only feel His love.
Organizer
Robin K. Pang-Maganaris
Organizer
Mililani, HI