Mike Mashkevich - Future/Immediate Needs
Hi Everyone,
This accident has also caused Mike to suffer a traumatic brain injury. He was recently transferred from UMass Memorial to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston where he participates in several hours of speech and occupational therapy, group and music therapy as well as physical therapy on his right arm as the cast has recently been removed. In rehab, Mike will need to learn how to walk and talk, eat, recover his memory and learn how to do things in new ways.
After 3 months of rehabilitation, Mike will have the external fixators on his pelvis and left arm removed and will have surgery on his damaged bladder and hip. He will then continue neurological and physical rehab for as long as he needs it. Because of the external fixators on his pelvis and left arm and the cast on his right leg, he is constricted to his bed and unable to participate fully in physical rehab. It is expected that Mike will remain in rehab for 6-12 months before the doctors have any idea where he will be at mentally or physically.
This has been a difficult time for Mike's parents as they live in CA. His father has been flying back and forth from CA to balance working for their family and providing support to Mike. His step-mother has remained by his side every day since the accident and has taken the last 7 weeks unpaid from her two jobs. Mike worked at Staples as a senior programmer analyst and is currently receiving short term disability, however, because he was a 24 year old, healthy sportsman he did not elect for long term disability and his benefits will end after 6 months.
Fundraising efforts have been established for Mike's future and immediate needs and will continue throughout the year. Mike's parents are overwhelmed with the generosity and loving support that the community has provided to Mike and their family. He has a long road ahead but with the support of his friends, family, co-workers and the tennis community he will work hard to overcome this obstacle!
Thank you!
Jessica
