Help Michael Godinez On His Road To Recovery
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Thank you for visiting this page to help Michael Godinez on his road to recovery. This past August, Michael was found unresponsive by his parents, Mari and Gil Godinez, after his work called when he didn't come in that day- something completely out of his character. Due to pre-existing health conditions, Michael suffered from a hemorrhagic stroke at the young age of 38. When they first brought him to the ER, doctors prepared us for the worst and were skeptical - predicting Michael wouldn't even make it through the night as the estimated survival rate from a stroke of this nature was less than 10%. His stroke took place in the thalamus - a region located on top of the brainstem near the center of the brain. It acts as a relay station, responsible for many of the body's functions and reactions. So when the doctors started raising questions about the slim possibility of recovery and his quality of life, the family had the hardest decision to consider - what would Michael want?
Michael's family- his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Marissa and Vince Aranas- asked Michael if he wanted to fight to live- And by the tiniest squeeze of his hand, they believed they received their sign. They put Michael into God's hands and began to pray for a miracle.
Since he was first admitted into the ICU, Michael faced many obstacles. He had to be transferred to a new ICU unit. He had many surgeries including a Tracheotomy, a feeding tube placement, 2 EVD placements, and 5 shunt placements which brought many complications. One shunt had malfunctioned, another got displaced, one had begun to overdrain, and another carried an infection. The continuous surgeries put a heavy strain on Michael and caused him to be in the ICU for months.
Despite these setbacks God has answered our prayers as Michael is still with us today. He is now at a transitional rehabilitation/ skilled nursing facility and although he cannot yet speak or walk, he has defied all logic from the initial prognosis. He communicates through hand gestures, is able to point to those he recognizes, can stand up with assistance, and can even eat liquid foods with the help of his speech therapist.
The assistance from the doctors and nurses from the ICU unit at Sunrise Hospital were ext
raordinary- the family is truly touched and grateful for the positivity and encouragement from all of the staff at Sunrise. His Brother-in-Law Vince has also worked very closely with Michael on his therapy, doing exercises and motivating him every day. The family is so very grateful to Vince and to every friend and family member who have used their various skills and expertise to help Michael in his greatest time of need.
The next step in his recovery is to transfer to a new facility where he will receive intense physical therapy. When he is released, the family will need to make revisions to his home to assist with his ongoing recovery.While his insurance has covered a portion of his medical needs thus far, he will not be covered for continued physical therapy or the additions that will be needed to accommodate him at home.
A little bit about Michael. Before his stroke, he was living his best life. He's a proud uncle to 5 amazing kids, a Manager at the Champs Store in Las Vegas where his co-workers have the highest respect for him. He loves his Nikes (he has a particular love for Jordans), his movies, and Funko Pop figures. But more than anything he is a kind and generous soul. Anyone who knows him will tell you- he is always giving to those around him whether it's gifts to his nieces and nephews, picking up dinner tabs for friends, or even just bringing late night sushi to his sister. Marissa recalls, "...One of Mike's words were 'Treat me good and I will treat you better' or 'You only live once so enjoy all the things that make you happy.' "
Quiet but extraordinary, Michael was just starting to open up more: making new friends, making plans to travel and visit family, and working out and eating healthy- and was just gaining a new energy and thirst for life. He had just bought his second home last year to be closer to his nieces and nephews and told his sister he was the happiest he had ever been.
We pray every day that Michael will be able to continue all that he started. We know it is a long road ahead to recovery, but we believe that with your support and contribution, we can help get him there. We need to raise at least $150,000 to help pay for medical costs that will include outpatient therapy sessions, doctors visits, and medical equipment needed for in-home care.
The first six months after a stroke is critical in determining what kind of recovery a stroke survivor can make. Michael has been in the hospital for almost four months as of this Christmas and has amazed his doctors, family, and friends with his strength, intelligence, and perseverance. But it is imperative that he gets the best care possible during this crucial time. Your contribution will directly help Michael in getting him the outpatient therapy, the medical equipment, and the home care needed to make his full recovery. The family gives their thanks and for all of the support, prayers, and well wishes Michael has received. We believe God is putting Michael in a position to be a living testimony- please consider giving to his cause so that Michael may continue to touch lives with his light, love, and his story.
Michael's family- his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Marissa and Vince Aranas- asked Michael if he wanted to fight to live- And by the tiniest squeeze of his hand, they believed they received their sign. They put Michael into God's hands and began to pray for a miracle.
Since he was first admitted into the ICU, Michael faced many obstacles. He had to be transferred to a new ICU unit. He had many surgeries including a Tracheotomy, a feeding tube placement, 2 EVD placements, and 5 shunt placements which brought many complications. One shunt had malfunctioned, another got displaced, one had begun to overdrain, and another carried an infection. The continuous surgeries put a heavy strain on Michael and caused him to be in the ICU for months.
Despite these setbacks God has answered our prayers as Michael is still with us today. He is now at a transitional rehabilitation/ skilled nursing facility and although he cannot yet speak or walk, he has defied all logic from the initial prognosis. He communicates through hand gestures, is able to point to those he recognizes, can stand up with assistance, and can even eat liquid foods with the help of his speech therapist.
The assistance from the doctors and nurses from the ICU unit at Sunrise Hospital were ext
raordinary- the family is truly touched and grateful for the positivity and encouragement from all of the staff at Sunrise. His Brother-in-Law Vince has also worked very closely with Michael on his therapy, doing exercises and motivating him every day. The family is so very grateful to Vince and to every friend and family member who have used their various skills and expertise to help Michael in his greatest time of need.
The next step in his recovery is to transfer to a new facility where he will receive intense physical therapy. When he is released, the family will need to make revisions to his home to assist with his ongoing recovery.While his insurance has covered a portion of his medical needs thus far, he will not be covered for continued physical therapy or the additions that will be needed to accommodate him at home.
A little bit about Michael. Before his stroke, he was living his best life. He's a proud uncle to 5 amazing kids, a Manager at the Champs Store in Las Vegas where his co-workers have the highest respect for him. He loves his Nikes (he has a particular love for Jordans), his movies, and Funko Pop figures. But more than anything he is a kind and generous soul. Anyone who knows him will tell you- he is always giving to those around him whether it's gifts to his nieces and nephews, picking up dinner tabs for friends, or even just bringing late night sushi to his sister. Marissa recalls, "...One of Mike's words were 'Treat me good and I will treat you better' or 'You only live once so enjoy all the things that make you happy.' "
Quiet but extraordinary, Michael was just starting to open up more: making new friends, making plans to travel and visit family, and working out and eating healthy- and was just gaining a new energy and thirst for life. He had just bought his second home last year to be closer to his nieces and nephews and told his sister he was the happiest he had ever been.
We pray every day that Michael will be able to continue all that he started. We know it is a long road ahead to recovery, but we believe that with your support and contribution, we can help get him there. We need to raise at least $150,000 to help pay for medical costs that will include outpatient therapy sessions, doctors visits, and medical equipment needed for in-home care.
The first six months after a stroke is critical in determining what kind of recovery a stroke survivor can make. Michael has been in the hospital for almost four months as of this Christmas and has amazed his doctors, family, and friends with his strength, intelligence, and perseverance. But it is imperative that he gets the best care possible during this crucial time. Your contribution will directly help Michael in getting him the outpatient therapy, the medical equipment, and the home care needed to make his full recovery. The family gives their thanks and for all of the support, prayers, and well wishes Michael has received. We believe God is putting Michael in a position to be a living testimony- please consider giving to his cause so that Michael may continue to touch lives with his light, love, and his story.
Co-organizers (3)
Stephanie Picarra
Organizer
Arden, NV
Michael Godinez
Beneficiary
Nicole Brown
Co-organizer