23 for Mikey
Donation protected
He has given so much…it’s time to give back directly to him!
"I've learned to open my eyes- to open my mind- to see that the world needs me to be more than just a hockey player- because the world needs a change...one of many changes, but we need a world without wheelchairs"-Mikey Nichols
On January 4th, 2014, Mikey suffered a spinal cord injury as a senior playing hockey for Monroe Township High School. Since then, Mikey has defied odds and expectations on a daily basis. From fighting to stay alive in the hospital to finishing the NYC Marathon...from getting an associates degree to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to find a cure for paralysis. He has shared motivational words with classrooms, packed arenas, radio shows, and various news/sports shows on national television. He has fought to be able to turn the pages of a book and he has had to endure a pandemic that ostensibly rendered him more vulnerable than ever. As always though, he emerges stronger from every trial. Away from the spotlight, he has to fight pain and doubt every day. Whether he's in a room with you one on one or he's on TV being interviewed by Mario Lopez, he's the same guy: loyal, compassionate, kind, humble and yet- the toughest fighter you've ever met. Always looking to serve others, he NEVER looks for favors, handouts, or pity. He thrives off serving a higher purpose: being a leader for those with paralysis and for those in need of hope.
Mikey's unwavering spirit is contagious for those lucky enough to interact with him. He has been an unrelenting resource of optimism and motivation for our community. He has transcended his physical limitations in utilizing his brave voice as a leader. That distinctly unique voice has been used to advocate for the “wheelchair free” world that he envisions. He is on the front lines with legends like Eric LeGrand, putting a compelling personality and a friendly face to the Reeve Foundation's quest for a cure. Mikey is an exemplary role model for everyone, especially those trying to find and create meaning in their lives. He has dedicated his life to helping others and creating a better future for those impacted by paralysis. Let's dedicate a fundraiser to HIM so that he can pursue his ambitions to live independently, progress physically, and continue leading within our community and the paralysis community at large.
The 23 for Mikey campaign is an endeavor being tackled from Summer 2021 through Summer 2022- and beyond, if needed! The goal will be to complete 23 separate bucket list hiking/biking adventures for Mikey in an ongoing year-long effort to directly raise funds for him.
Here are some key components of this mission:
Opportunity for Mikey: This is the main motivation. Raising money for Mike could give him an opportunity to pursue a dream, whether it’s getting a hand-cycle or getting assistance with a house down payment.
Community: I want to share in these adventures with friends and family. Ultimately, Mike has influenced and inspired all of us for the better- and this is a really fun way that we can give back to him. Adventures are meant to be shared!
Social Media (My Facebook page and @rollwithsoul on Instagram) and 23forMikey.com: I want to provide ongoing updates and document the journey to help raise awareness and money each time we plan for and pull off an adventure.
Nature: These 23 challenges are all in beautiful locations. More than ever, nature has become an outlet for us to stay grounded during this difficult year. We’ll be able to capture these epic spots and post on social media/23forMikey.com to garner awareness for our cause.
Challenge: To make the cut as one of the 23 challenges, it must be DIFFICULT. These adventures will involve a day’s journey of hard work and fun. With everything Mikey endures, it’s only fitting that the 23 adventures are tough too. They’ll involve further preparation, research, and training.
Time Investment and Ongoing Fundraising Effort: After the marathon, it didn’t sit well with me that the event came and went- time moved fast, as did the opportunity to keep the spotlight on the cause. I’ve become interested in carrying out an endurance related challenge like this, as it will take over a year (or more) to complete; that’s a lot of time to raise awareness and money for Mikey! It’ll provide an ongoing mission with long-term purpose, instead of one event.
Adventure: These challenges will put us out in the boondocks. Instincts, adaptation, and teamwork will be required to navigate the unknown! No politics, no race registrations, no b.s. …just getting after 23 rugged, bucket list adventures for the legend, #23 Mikey Nichols.
"I've learned to open my eyes- to open my mind- to see that the world needs me to be more than just a hockey player- because the world needs a change...one of many changes, but we need a world without wheelchairs"-Mikey Nichols
On January 4th, 2014, Mikey suffered a spinal cord injury as a senior playing hockey for Monroe Township High School. Since then, Mikey has defied odds and expectations on a daily basis. From fighting to stay alive in the hospital to finishing the NYC Marathon...from getting an associates degree to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to find a cure for paralysis. He has shared motivational words with classrooms, packed arenas, radio shows, and various news/sports shows on national television. He has fought to be able to turn the pages of a book and he has had to endure a pandemic that ostensibly rendered him more vulnerable than ever. As always though, he emerges stronger from every trial. Away from the spotlight, he has to fight pain and doubt every day. Whether he's in a room with you one on one or he's on TV being interviewed by Mario Lopez, he's the same guy: loyal, compassionate, kind, humble and yet- the toughest fighter you've ever met. Always looking to serve others, he NEVER looks for favors, handouts, or pity. He thrives off serving a higher purpose: being a leader for those with paralysis and for those in need of hope.
Mikey's unwavering spirit is contagious for those lucky enough to interact with him. He has been an unrelenting resource of optimism and motivation for our community. He has transcended his physical limitations in utilizing his brave voice as a leader. That distinctly unique voice has been used to advocate for the “wheelchair free” world that he envisions. He is on the front lines with legends like Eric LeGrand, putting a compelling personality and a friendly face to the Reeve Foundation's quest for a cure. Mikey is an exemplary role model for everyone, especially those trying to find and create meaning in their lives. He has dedicated his life to helping others and creating a better future for those impacted by paralysis. Let's dedicate a fundraiser to HIM so that he can pursue his ambitions to live independently, progress physically, and continue leading within our community and the paralysis community at large.
The 23 for Mikey campaign is an endeavor being tackled from Summer 2021 through Summer 2022- and beyond, if needed! The goal will be to complete 23 separate bucket list hiking/biking adventures for Mikey in an ongoing year-long effort to directly raise funds for him.
Here are some key components of this mission:
Opportunity for Mikey: This is the main motivation. Raising money for Mike could give him an opportunity to pursue a dream, whether it’s getting a hand-cycle or getting assistance with a house down payment.
Community: I want to share in these adventures with friends and family. Ultimately, Mike has influenced and inspired all of us for the better- and this is a really fun way that we can give back to him. Adventures are meant to be shared!
Social Media (My Facebook page and @rollwithsoul on Instagram) and 23forMikey.com: I want to provide ongoing updates and document the journey to help raise awareness and money each time we plan for and pull off an adventure.
Nature: These 23 challenges are all in beautiful locations. More than ever, nature has become an outlet for us to stay grounded during this difficult year. We’ll be able to capture these epic spots and post on social media/23forMikey.com to garner awareness for our cause.
Challenge: To make the cut as one of the 23 challenges, it must be DIFFICULT. These adventures will involve a day’s journey of hard work and fun. With everything Mikey endures, it’s only fitting that the 23 adventures are tough too. They’ll involve further preparation, research, and training.
Time Investment and Ongoing Fundraising Effort: After the marathon, it didn’t sit well with me that the event came and went- time moved fast, as did the opportunity to keep the spotlight on the cause. I’ve become interested in carrying out an endurance related challenge like this, as it will take over a year (or more) to complete; that’s a lot of time to raise awareness and money for Mikey! It’ll provide an ongoing mission with long-term purpose, instead of one event.
Adventure: These challenges will put us out in the boondocks. Instincts, adaptation, and teamwork will be required to navigate the unknown! No politics, no race registrations, no b.s. …just getting after 23 rugged, bucket list adventures for the legend, #23 Mikey Nichols.
Organizer and beneficiary
Joseph Rooney
Organizer
Jamesburg, NJ
Christine Nichols
Beneficiary