I am starting this GoFundMe to help my family with medical and living expenses over the next few months.

My stepfather has recently been put out of work due to injury. He broke his tibia and tore his ACL and will be out of work for the next 4-6 months. If you know Michael, you know this won't be easy for him.

Unfortunately the trouble is a bit deeper than just a broken leg. When Michael was 17 he broke his leg and ended up with Mononucleosis which led to blood clots in his legs and lungs. He was later diagnosed with DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and has been living with open wounds on his legs ever since.

He was given disability but continued to work part time to support his family.

In 2023 he lost his disability because he worked 20 hours over his allotted time for the year.

THE YEAR...

They took him off disability because of this and he was made to pay back thousands of dollars. Early 2024 he reapplied and has not heard anything back. "We will work your case when we can." So, despite needing to be off his legs as much as possible, Michael has been working a full time job ever since he lost his disability.

Fast forward to February 16, 2025. My parents, among several other Kentuckians, suffered flooding to their home. With almost 5 inches of water in their basement Michael went downstairs to try and stop the leak and fell.

He has already had one of the two surgeries needed but due to the nature of his DVT and the break, a rehabilitation center and trauma surgeon were recommended. Even with insurance the rehabilitation center wanted $6000 up front and an additional $300 for a wheelchair because he is no allowed to put any weight on his leg. Michael is now at home fending for himself while my mother bears the weight of being the sole provider and his care taker.

Michael is a 'give the shirt off his back' type of man. From raising 3 kids, serving the homeless at the Franciscan Kitchen and working with the medically fragile, Michael still leaves time and space for his family and friends. He might kick me for making this, but he deserves the love and help more than anyone I know.

Reading, sharing, donating to help with bills and medical costs, or even just calling for the conversation while he's down can make all the difference.