Keep Root Beer Afloat
Donation protected
If you know Mikey Root Beer you know he loves a mug of that frothy, bubbly, bitter-sweet drink more than anything in this world - with the exception of his lovely wife and daughter.
If you don't know him, you'll soon know why he's my friend, hero and why he needs our help now.
I met Mikey nearly 7 years ago, when our lives crossed paths at a Miami halfway house, where we were both attempting to find life's reset button. We became close friends due to similar world views and our love of punk rock music, food and of course, root beer. Getting to know Mikey, I learned of the dark times that he had experienced through his addiction. He's survived a few ups and downs, and today, I am happy to say that he has been clean and sober for over 6 years.
In that 6 years, Mikey didn't just stop drinking and using drugs. He went back to school and got a degree in radiology so that he could help others. He married a wonderful woman who gave birth to a beautiful daughter. He took a job at Mt. Sinai hospital as a radiologic technologist in the cardiac cath lab. He has supported his family both financially and emotionally. He even went back to school to further his education in the field of health care. On top of all that, he has always been there for his friends.
Working in the addiction field for the past few years, I have been telling Mikey's story as a testament of hope to people who do not believe recovery from addiction is possible. From heroin in abandoned houses to a trustworthy, empathetic, and hard working father, husband, friend, family member and employee, Mikey has honestly become my hero. I don't know if I would be here today if our lives didn't cross paths in that South Miami halfway house.
On March 10th, Mikey called me and told me that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He began chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Large T-Cell Lymphoma on March 18th and he receives treatments every two weeks. The chemotherapy causes severe symptoms of nausea, vomiting, fatigue and shortness of breath. Despite the symptoms and constant sickness, Mikey has held on to his positive attitude. He continues working through it all so he can continue "saving lives." He recently ended up in the ER and was admitted to the hospital because his immune system couldn't fight off an infection. His doctors would like him to not push himself to this degree.
With Mikey not being able to work as much and the added expenses of medical bills, he is in need of some financial assistance. He can use as much help as possible with paying the mortgage, insurance, HOA fees, Molly's school, medical bills and daily living expenses. I am reaching out to you to help the Root Beer (Recio) family in any way you can. No donation is too small.
As an added bonus, there will be prizes for people who donate, as a token of our appreciation. The first is a Keep Root Beer Afloat T-shirt for those who donate $25 or more (NSFW). The first 15 people who donate $50 or more will receive the latest Pool Party LP (also NSFW). All other items for auction/prizes will be accepted as donations as well. Please share this on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc to show your love for Mikey Root Beer. Keep posted for more prizes and updates to come.
For T-shirt recipients, please send a note listing your size and address to [email redacted].
If you don't know him, you'll soon know why he's my friend, hero and why he needs our help now.
I met Mikey nearly 7 years ago, when our lives crossed paths at a Miami halfway house, where we were both attempting to find life's reset button. We became close friends due to similar world views and our love of punk rock music, food and of course, root beer. Getting to know Mikey, I learned of the dark times that he had experienced through his addiction. He's survived a few ups and downs, and today, I am happy to say that he has been clean and sober for over 6 years.
In that 6 years, Mikey didn't just stop drinking and using drugs. He went back to school and got a degree in radiology so that he could help others. He married a wonderful woman who gave birth to a beautiful daughter. He took a job at Mt. Sinai hospital as a radiologic technologist in the cardiac cath lab. He has supported his family both financially and emotionally. He even went back to school to further his education in the field of health care. On top of all that, he has always been there for his friends.
Working in the addiction field for the past few years, I have been telling Mikey's story as a testament of hope to people who do not believe recovery from addiction is possible. From heroin in abandoned houses to a trustworthy, empathetic, and hard working father, husband, friend, family member and employee, Mikey has honestly become my hero. I don't know if I would be here today if our lives didn't cross paths in that South Miami halfway house.
On March 10th, Mikey called me and told me that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He began chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Large T-Cell Lymphoma on March 18th and he receives treatments every two weeks. The chemotherapy causes severe symptoms of nausea, vomiting, fatigue and shortness of breath. Despite the symptoms and constant sickness, Mikey has held on to his positive attitude. He continues working through it all so he can continue "saving lives." He recently ended up in the ER and was admitted to the hospital because his immune system couldn't fight off an infection. His doctors would like him to not push himself to this degree.
With Mikey not being able to work as much and the added expenses of medical bills, he is in need of some financial assistance. He can use as much help as possible with paying the mortgage, insurance, HOA fees, Molly's school, medical bills and daily living expenses. I am reaching out to you to help the Root Beer (Recio) family in any way you can. No donation is too small.
As an added bonus, there will be prizes for people who donate, as a token of our appreciation. The first is a Keep Root Beer Afloat T-shirt for those who donate $25 or more (NSFW). The first 15 people who donate $50 or more will receive the latest Pool Party LP (also NSFW). All other items for auction/prizes will be accepted as donations as well. Please share this on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc to show your love for Mikey Root Beer. Keep posted for more prizes and updates to come.
For T-shirt recipients, please send a note listing your size and address to [email redacted].
Organizer
Eric San Pedro
Organizer
Pompano Beach, FL
