On July 5th, Michael was involved in a freak firework accident. Since then, he has undergone brain surgery, as well as two hand surgeries. He is still on a ventilator and sedated as of July 14th, but has shown strength and determination through the entire process. Michael’s life has undoubtedly changed forever, but God gives his toughest battle’s to his strongest soldiers, and that is just what Michael is.

I am Michael’s baby sister, Jessie. Let me assure you, money has been the last thing on our minds, as the care that Michael is getting at Cooper Trauma Center is invaluable. However, we were fortunate to grow up in a community full of love and care for our own. Although I didn’t even know my brother knew so many people, I have been overwhelmed with people who want nothing more than to help Michael in any way they can. As much as I stress that we need nothing but prayers, the generosity floods in anyway. I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of Michael and my family simply for a place to gather these funds for him. For those of you who know him, he is a very hard worker, who has made it his mission in his young adult life, to intelligently save money for his future.

Michael is the most kindhearted, sincere, and genuine person I have ever met. Someone who would post every New Year’s Eve that he was more than happy to be a designated driver, encouraging nobody to drive even slightly intoxicated. He thanks every veteran for their service, despite where we are. I have had people reach out to me to say that Michael has given a shoulder to cry on, motivation to remain clean, a workout plan for people who didn’t know where to begin, and a workout partner to those who felt uncomfortable in a gym. Hearing of all of the lives my brother has touched has swept me off my feet, and I believe with my whole heart that he has only begun changing lives.

As his little sister, having Michael as an older brother has been the biggest blessing in my life. From the second I was born, Michael was my biggest protector. We’ve experienced a lot of loss in our life, and we always told each other that we were all we had. He’s toughened me up mentally and physically, but also been a rock to lean on whenever I needed it.

I, along with my family, have complete faith in the power of prayer, and the power of God’s healing. I personally would like to thank each and every person who has called to God with us, because we know he hears our prayers, and is taking my brother into his arms and leading him on this long journey ahead of him.

More than anything, our family is in desperate need of God. No matter what your faith, we encourage you to strengthen that bond, because this process would be unbearable if we thought that God wasn’t in control. Please pray for my best friend, and that we are able to hear his laugh and see his smile again.

All our love. God bless.