Donate for Danek’s PT to Walk Again!

Catherine Adkins Suraci ( Addie ) and Troy Garza are sponsoring this GoFundMe for Michael Danek in order to raise money for his continued Severe Spinal Cord Injury care. Michael was critically injured on April 4th in Texas. He was flown from Fort Worth to NC via CareFlite to the tune of $25K. We paid $10, 000 of that bill. Michael drained his savings account to pay the rest. His hospital bills while in Texas ICU were over $180, 000. While on Medicare, this left our dear friend with major debt and no feeling in his arms or legs. He was transferred to Glenbridge Rehabilitation Hospital in Boone, NC where Michael was the youngest patient. Severe bladder infections plagued him while at Glenbridge. He arrived near the end of May. Basic PT for his lower body was started and he suffered severe pain. This fundraiser was able to cover his expenses for the month of June while a patient at Glenbridge. $6000. On June 29, Michael had surgery at Charlotte Anthem Hospital. His surgeon entered through the front of Michael’s neck to the side of his trachea in order to reach his cervical vertebrae. The surgeon hoped to alleviate pressure on the nerves causing the paralysis. However, the damage he saw during surgery was far greater than the MRI and other scans had evidenced. Post-surgery, he told Michael to hold on to hope. We, his friends, have held hope from the very beginning. For a brief period, Michael struggled with depression and was debating his choices for his future. He had some, but little use of his legs and no use of his arms and hands. Where could he go? What could he do? His surgeon stated that he needed 12-24 months of focused PT/OT and transferred him to Charlotte Anthem Rehabilitation. It was there that Michael began to “walk” down a hallway, supported by a walker with a PT guiding his legs! Our guy was on his feet and walking! We contributed $6000 during that stay. He was there for one month and then transferred to Margate Health & Rehabilitation Hospital, Jefferson, NC. This location is closer to his brother which works well. :) Michael’s first month was very promising! He was regaining feeling in his arms and hands! The nerves were regenerating! For his second month at Margate, we contributed $9, 150. In the first week of September, Michael lifted a toggle between his thumb and forefinger and moved it to a box! A huge accomplishment! And, he stood on his own, unsupported, for a full minute! These two events are evidence of a very hopeful, positive future. In October, we contributed $9, 150 from the gracious donations of Michael’s friends! Mike put in the work with the PT Team and his RIGHT leg began responding!!! He worked diligently with his hands, specifically his thumb and forefinger. November rolled around and we successfully raised the money needed to cover another month at Margate! The PT Team very excited for a “major breakthrough.” Michael would love to spend December and the holiday at Margate! We are all hoping the PT Team will be working with him on walking!

We hope to raise at least $60,000 to cover related expenses such as therapy and special equipment. Please donate whatever you can to help Michael reach this goal. Any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated. ♥️