Help Bring Michael Home

Update from my dad…

I would like to let you know how much I appreciate your generosity, but I can't. Almost 41 years ago, I could have found myself in the same situation that Michael is in. I was addicted to alcohol and was smoking over 2 packs of cigarettes a day. That's when I found how much God loved me through the sacrifice he provided for my sins through his son Jesus. Instantly, my faith switched from being dependent upon alcohol and cigarettes to regulate my lifestyle, to faith in God through Jesus Christ. As we are all different, Michael's life had to run a different course. Although God would have all of us follow a straight path after his direction from birth, we all discover that that is not the case, some sooner rather than later discover the error of our choices. He uses lifes difficulties to draw us to himself, and some are more stubborn than others, finding themselves in very difficult situations. Still, it is by God's grace and mercy, which keeps us all from being consumed by following our own desires. I thank God that Michael has survived his strokes and continues to be healed and restored each day. If I can begin to let you know how much I appreciate your generosity, it's by recognizing how God has used you to help Michael in this issue. I know my God is faithful, and I know he will bless your socks off for your generosity, so get ready! If there are better words than Thank You, think about those words. Michael J. Stevenson, Sr.

As some of you know, Michael Stevenson Jr., my brother, had a massive stroke on one side of his brain and several small strokes on the other on September 18. He had life saving surgery to remove the right flap of his skull. The surgery saved his life but his prognosis was unknown. The swelling went down and Michael underwent surgery again to place a prosthetic flap back, in replacement of his skull. For 4 months he’s been in the hospital and for 4 months the family has been visiting and planning for Michael’s long term care. He’s now ready to come home to Michigan where his whole family is eagerly awaiting his return. He’s been approved for Medicaid in MI but it does not pay for transportation. We’ve found the least expensive option that is safe for Michael. It will cost about $21,000 to transport Michael home and for my dad to accompany him. He can’t ride in a plane or passenger vehicle. This is the only option where he will be safe and be able to continue to receive the medical care he needs: feeding tube, injections, etc.

More of Michael’s story…

Before his stroke, I hadn’t seen Michael in over 10 years. Michael struggled for many years with addiction and had separated himself from the family. We found out that he had recently been living in a sober home and was working on a plan to restore his finances and life. He was making progress when the strokes happened.

Since the stroke, he hasn’t been eligible for facilities in either CA or MI due to the extent of the brain damage and his inability to communicate. We’ve hit one brick wall after another.

On Christmas Day, Michael started talking, saying 1 or 2 words at a time. His doctors were amazed that he was able to communicate at all. We planned our next trip and I went to CA with my dad and daughter.

When we arrived at the hospital, Michael said our names in very monotone responses and had a few other words/phrases. The next day, I tried giving him ice chips. He was much more talkative when eating ice chips. So I asked the Dr if speech therapy could come and try some food. He agreed. Michael took one bite of ice cream and didn’t stop talking in a very animated fashion for 4 1/2 hours. When he realized who we were, he cried, said he was sorry, asked how we knew he was there, cried some more and said he was sorry again. He asked about our immediate family, if they were married, had kids, etc. He proudly announced “Tina! I stopped drinking!” It was a miraculous day!

On the fourth morning, as soon as I walked in, he said, “We continue friends.” He has periods of clear communication and periods where is brain is processing more quietly. He mostly has things to say but sometimes will stop to listen and even respond to our questions.

Michael asked us if we can please come visit him one in every 7 days. He said it was important and that he wanted me to promise. We’ve explained to him that he will be coming to Michigan so he can live near the whole family. He keeps talking about those he hasn’t seen yet, wanting to say that he sorry, that he loves them and wants to give them a kiss.

I cannot believe the awakening his brain has gone though. He remembers how much his monthly cell phone bill is, he wants to know how many months until he’s 100% healthy and can go back to work full time, he asks every nurse and doctor to write their name on his white board, he asked for stuffed crust pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut with ranch to dip it in. He amazes me every day. On the other hand, he’s afraid to get out of bed, even with assistance, can’t remember his phone code and sometimes mixes up our names. I was Nacy, Tina Day, Tina Dorsey…. But every time, I was his sister. He pretended to argue with me over whether mom was his mom or my mom and then said “I’m just messing with you.” It’s certainly been a roller coaster. But we are so blessed by his recovery and restoration to the family.

We’ve been asked by many to start a go fund me to help with the travel expenses so we are humbly putting this out there. Thank you for reading and for all of your prayers!