Support Michael Mink & Family

On behalf of the Mink Family we are asking for your support.   Over the past few weeks Michael Mink -- friend, brother, son, husband, and amazing father, has been battling a currently undiagnosed disorder. The symptoms have impacted his mobility, causing rigidity which leads to temporary paralysis, slowness in movement, tremors, vision problems, and exhaustion, among others, that have led to his inability to work and financially provide for his family.  He has been undergoing neurological tests in Albany to try and figure out what is wrong. It is our hope that by creating this campaign we can ease the family’s financial pressures so they can focus on Michael’s health and get through this difficult time in their lives.  Most of you probably know that Mike & Shannon are honest, proud, hardworking, humble people who in normal circumstances would never ask for help, but at this point they really don’t have a choice.  They are a truly beautiful family in so many ways and would do anything for anyone which is all the more reason for the effort we are putting forth with this plea.    

I am Shannon’s sister and have known Mike for over 23 years, and can say without hesitation that there aren’t many men out there as dedicated to their children and wife as Michael is.   Many of you have the honor of knowing Michael Mink - how he works harder through the tough times and tries to looks for the positive in every situation; there isn’t much that can bring him down. Not only is he an amazing husband and father to two beautiful daughters, Melanie & Kelsey, but,  he is one of the nicest, caring, upbeat people I know.  He is always in a good mood, his energy and outgoing personality is infectious. It is nearly impossible to ever find him without a smile on his face. And so throughout this current situation Mike still remains in good spirits and is optimistic.  This is another hurdle Michael is determined to face head-on and overcome.

Mike’s biggest worries and fears throughout this time have not been about himself and his health, but rather his wife and children.  With the struggles he faces each day, he wants to be sure life stays as normal as possible for their two daughters.  Mike is their whole world, as they are to him.  Shannon started her own cleaning business a couple of years ago but her earnings are certainly not enough to support them. Mike has been the main breadwinner for the family.  Currently he is not able to drive or work and is now faced with relying on disability to support his family.  For the first four months disability payments are practically nothing and of course they will have to pay for COBRA to be sure he continues to have medical insurance. With what he will get from Disability and what they will have to pay for insurance, he will end up with $150 a month to feed and support his family.  Obviously with medical and house bills coming in each week it won’t take much to deplete the $150 monthly income.  Four years ago this family overcame another hurdle but in the end they were able to fulfill a dream of theirs and start a new life in upstate New York.  We are hoping we can help keep this dream alive for them.    

We are asking each of you to please keep the Mink Family in your hearts, and in your prayers.   It is not just a financial donation we are asking.  Whatever kind words, love and support we can rally up and give this family is extremely appreciated.  We want them to know that this is not a fight they are facing on their own.  With the love and support of their family, friends and well-wishers, we can all help the Mink Family redirect their focus on the Michael’s health and medical needs rather than worry and fight the financial burden they are currently up against. Many people whose lives they have touched have asked how they can help. Let's unite for this amazing family and give them one less thing to worry about. Any support is appreciated.

An appointment that was supposed to be tomorrow, Friday, February 17th, has been rescheduled by the doctor’s office. We will now be getting the results of Mike’s tests on Monday. We will keep this page updated with the diagnosis as soon as we know! Thank you so very much.  Contact info : [email redacted]