Michaels Medical Fund
Donation protected
My Dad, Michael is such an incredible guy. He is kind and generous, he values people for who they are and sees the best in people. My parents have always looked for ways to show kindness and help other people. I have witnessed my parent’s generosity towards friends, family and strangers when they need a helping hand. Over the years my parents have taken in people who have needed help to get back on their feet. They've really been open to give even when they haven't had much. They've looked for practical ways to help other people. Once, they met an older gentleman who was a Vietnam vet who had traveled from Denver to Colorado Springs by bus for a medical appointment at the Vet hospital. He didn't have enough money to buy a ticket back, so they bought it for him and bought him some dinner. When I was in high school, I had a friend who didn't have any food at their house, her dad had been out of work for a long time and they didn't have money to feed their family. After I told my parents about it, they sent me back over with bags of groceries. There are numerous stories about how my parents have helped others, now I want to give back to them. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". Even a small amount can go a long way when many people are involved.
What Happened?
A few weeks ago, on July 31st as my Dad was flying back into Denver after a week of working out of state, he took a nap on the plane and when he woke up, his leg wasn't working very well. When he got off the plane, he called my Mom to let her know he had landed and was ready to be picked up. She knew right away that something was wrong. He had the signs of a stroke. His right arm was weak, his right leg was not easy to control and his speech was slurred. She was already at the airport, so she picked up, gave him 2 aspirin and drove him straight to the ER.
He was able to walk into the ER on his own and got a CT scan right away. He was then scheduled for an MRI, which would show more detail of damage to the brain from stroke. The MRI was completed by 1am and at this time his condition was worse. He could no longer walk on his own. The MRI showed several small strokes and he was admitted to the hospital.
The next day his condition was worse, he lost fine motor skills in his right hand and he had decreased ability to use his right leg. He could not walk without using a walker and having support staff to assist him. He could still talk if he wasn't too tired and had a great smile. We played a game of cards as he was evaluated by hospital staff throughout the day.
My Dad's condition deteriorated Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. His speech, strength and movement got worse with each day. He no longer had any control of the right side of his body. He couldn't move his right arm or right leg at all. He was now paralyzed on the right side of his body. He was put on blood thinners at that time, but it didn't seem to make a difference. We were so sad and shocked to see him get steadily worse each day. It was heartbreaking!
He finally started to plateau on Wednesday and Thursday. We were thankful he didn't get worse, but so sad that he is now paralyzed on the right side of his body.
On Friday Aug 7th, he was moved to a long term rehabilitation unit at a hospital in Colorado Springs, where he can get longer sessions of physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational (fine motor skills) therapy each day. The good news is that stroke patients do recover fully from strokes and very often return to work and normal activities but it takes time. Most stroke patients need 6 months to a great before he can return to work.
How Can I Help?
It's hard to know how long it will be before my Dad can start working again. Statistically, most stroke patients recover between 6 months and a year.
*Out of pocket cost of medical bills: $19,200
*Cost of monthly healthcare cost for continued health insurance coverage each month: $1400 (This will cover ongoing physical therapy).
My Mom and Dad have enough to get them through a month or so, but not much beyond that. The medical bills are high, even with insurance. They need help to cover monthly insurance costs, house payment, groceries, electrical, etc. They will also need help to cover the costs of durable medical equipment like a wheelchair, and other things to make their home handicap accessible.
After my Dad’s condition had stabilized, I had the opportunity to take an extra job for a few months and I’m happy to be able to contribute my extra income to them. I am donating 100% of my earnings to my parents, which will be about $6,000. All of us kids are helping as much as we can, but it's too much of a burden for us to on our own.
I know there are so many people who would want to give something to help out, and we wanted to make that opportunity available.
*Even if you don’t have much to give, $50 given by many people makes an impact.
*Consider skipping a luxury and contribute that money instead: the $ you spend on starbucks each week, eating out, etc.
*Sharing this on your Facebook page is also a great way to help support our family and this need.
Send a letter or care package.
*Continue praying for my Dad's full recovery.
Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and generosity!
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” -2 Corinthians 9:7
"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." -John Bunyon
What Happened?
A few weeks ago, on July 31st as my Dad was flying back into Denver after a week of working out of state, he took a nap on the plane and when he woke up, his leg wasn't working very well. When he got off the plane, he called my Mom to let her know he had landed and was ready to be picked up. She knew right away that something was wrong. He had the signs of a stroke. His right arm was weak, his right leg was not easy to control and his speech was slurred. She was already at the airport, so she picked up, gave him 2 aspirin and drove him straight to the ER.
He was able to walk into the ER on his own and got a CT scan right away. He was then scheduled for an MRI, which would show more detail of damage to the brain from stroke. The MRI was completed by 1am and at this time his condition was worse. He could no longer walk on his own. The MRI showed several small strokes and he was admitted to the hospital.
The next day his condition was worse, he lost fine motor skills in his right hand and he had decreased ability to use his right leg. He could not walk without using a walker and having support staff to assist him. He could still talk if he wasn't too tired and had a great smile. We played a game of cards as he was evaluated by hospital staff throughout the day.
My Dad's condition deteriorated Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. His speech, strength and movement got worse with each day. He no longer had any control of the right side of his body. He couldn't move his right arm or right leg at all. He was now paralyzed on the right side of his body. He was put on blood thinners at that time, but it didn't seem to make a difference. We were so sad and shocked to see him get steadily worse each day. It was heartbreaking!
He finally started to plateau on Wednesday and Thursday. We were thankful he didn't get worse, but so sad that he is now paralyzed on the right side of his body.
On Friday Aug 7th, he was moved to a long term rehabilitation unit at a hospital in Colorado Springs, where he can get longer sessions of physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational (fine motor skills) therapy each day. The good news is that stroke patients do recover fully from strokes and very often return to work and normal activities but it takes time. Most stroke patients need 6 months to a great before he can return to work.
How Can I Help?
It's hard to know how long it will be before my Dad can start working again. Statistically, most stroke patients recover between 6 months and a year.
*Out of pocket cost of medical bills: $19,200
*Cost of monthly healthcare cost for continued health insurance coverage each month: $1400 (This will cover ongoing physical therapy).
My Mom and Dad have enough to get them through a month or so, but not much beyond that. The medical bills are high, even with insurance. They need help to cover monthly insurance costs, house payment, groceries, electrical, etc. They will also need help to cover the costs of durable medical equipment like a wheelchair, and other things to make their home handicap accessible.
After my Dad’s condition had stabilized, I had the opportunity to take an extra job for a few months and I’m happy to be able to contribute my extra income to them. I am donating 100% of my earnings to my parents, which will be about $6,000. All of us kids are helping as much as we can, but it's too much of a burden for us to on our own.
I know there are so many people who would want to give something to help out, and we wanted to make that opportunity available.
*Even if you don’t have much to give, $50 given by many people makes an impact.
*Consider skipping a luxury and contribute that money instead: the $ you spend on starbucks each week, eating out, etc.
*Sharing this on your Facebook page is also a great way to help support our family and this need.
Send a letter or care package.
*Continue praying for my Dad's full recovery.
Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and generosity!
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” -2 Corinthians 9:7
"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." -John Bunyon
Organizer and beneficiary
Andrea Phillipps
Organizer
Colorado Springs, CO
Rebecca O'Rourke
Beneficiary