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Shaken Baby Victim needs your Help

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On February 22, 2012, Michael was born, healthy and beautiful.

I am his father, however I didn't know his mother was expecting. I didn't know Michael existed until he was months old. You see, his mother and I had been casual friends- not casual enough obviously. His mother contacted me after a long silence to inform me she had given birth and the baby, "looked a lot like me." What a surprise!

After recovering from the news, I moved forward with verification the baby was indeed my offspring.

I submitted a DNA sample in early fall, however his mom did not take the next step in getting Michael's DNA sample, so paternity remained a question.

On November 30, Michael was just 9 months old. His mother began using drugs.  She left him in the questionable care of another child while she went on an overnight spree. The unthinkable happened that night. Michael was hit repeatedly and dropped on his head: left unconscious and barely breathing all night.

The next afternoon, when his mother finally returned she found Michael unresponsive and "blue." She did the right thing and called 911, however the damage was done.

Michael spent the next month in ICU with life threatening injuries and 80% brain dead. It was not until January, the new year, that I finally had my answer. Michael is my son.

Today, I have total custody of Michael and, as a single dad; struggle to figure out how to take care of this wonderful life. He is my total responsibility now. I take him to numerous therapies and doctor appointments weekly.

Michael is totally blind. The doctors say he will never walk, or talk or do anything independently. However Michael smiles and laughs when we talk to him. He sings along with all kinds of music and loves to ride in the car or anything that moves. He recognizes the people in his life and squeals when someone he knows says hello to him. He is being fitted with a special "stander" which will hopefully help him build some body strength and allow him to have some variety in his environment.  Michael has learned to swallow some blended foods and loves salmon and chocolate pudding. (Not together)

I am a single dad. Day care and expenses Michael are so high, and I have had to leave my job in order to take care of him full time.  We do get help with his medical expenses; however we have no space in our little apartment. Michael is going to need more equipment as he gets older and more difficult to move around.

I am trying to find some help with a down payment for a larger place to live with my inspiration- my son. We don't need anything grand. I am hoping for a modest 3 bedroom house so I can have an extra room for all his equipment.

If you find it in your heart to help Michael and I, your generosity will be immensely appreciated. The needs in our world are vast, and I do not make this request lightly. Our situation was unforeseen and I am working so hard to do the right thing for this innocent little baby.
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Donations 

  • Joan Bunge
    • $100 
    • 9 yrs
  • private donor
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
  • private
    • $1,000 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
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Organizer

Kyle Keely
Organizer
Tacoma, WA

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