Support Michael Guhin’s Healing Journey

We are raising funds to support Michael Guhin as he embarks on the challenging path of healing and recovery from a spinal cord injury.

On August 25th, while enjoying a day at Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin, Michael and I (Liz Saathoff) and 6 of our friends faced an unimaginable situation. While trying to dive underwater, Michael hit an unexpected sand bar and then surfaced face down. With the help of our friends, we managed to bring him to shore. He was conscious and responsive, but he shared the terrifying news that he could not feel anything below his shoulders.

Incredibly, on that beach were a nurse and an ER doctor who immediately rushed to help, along with our friends. They worked tirelessly to stabilize him and called 911. Michael was airlifted to St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, where he was admitted to the ICU with a confirmed spinal cord injury. His mom, aunt, and my parents drove seven hours to be by his side, ready to support him in any way they could. He then asked how they were doing and apologized for them traveling all this way.

Throughout this ordeal, his mom and I have remained by his side, surrounded by an incredible support team of family who are determined to help him through this difficult time. The upcoming steps in his recovery are daunting. He will soon be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Iowa City where he will receive specialized medical care to help him recover his physical independence. He has started regaining feelings and movements and continues working hard to strengthen those movements, including lifting all four limbs.

Michael is a proud graduate of the University of Iowa and works at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. His caring nature and quick wit have continued throughout this situation, which shows how strong he truly is.

Now, we ask for your support in helping Michael heal and move forward from this tragic accident. Any and all contributions, no matter how small, will help cover current and future medical expenses and lost wages, and will make a difference in his recovery journey. Together, we can help him regain his strength and independence.

Thank you for your kindness and support.