Michael Peralta Fund

My name is Michael Peralta, and on December 17th my life changed. I was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident that resulted in me sustaining a broken ankle, tibia, and fibula along with secondary injuries to my hip, wrist, and head. I was able to have emergency surgery to help repair my lower leg, but still expect to receive an additional surgery to repair the tendons ripped from the accident. I am lucky to be alive and am grateful for the second chance at life that God has given me. Before December 17th, I was a physical therapy student at Rutgers University-Newark. Attending physical therapy school was difficult, but an incredible honor. It was difficult both academically and financially - due to the intensive curriculum and the high cost of tuition. My family and I do not come from wealth. We all play a role in assisting each other financially to be able to stay afloat and live our lives day to day. Before December 17th, I was a full-time PT school student who was working 2-3 jobs during the academic year to be able to stay afloat financially and assist my family in whatever way possible. This injury, however, has placed my family and me in a deepened emotional and financial hole. I can no longer work or attend PT school because of my injuries. With the inability to do either, I am immensely concerned with the financial implications being placed on myself and my family. As a family that lives check-to-check, life has become immensely more difficult. I ask from the kindness of your heart, to assist my family and me through these financial hardships that have impacted us before and after my life-altering injury.