Donate to Benjamin Michalson’s MS Recovery Journey

Asking for help is heavy….and it’s hard, but so is the battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that I’m currently fighting.

My name is Benjamin Michalson; roughly three years ago my seemingly manageable condition took a horrible turn when I tripped and fell in my apartment during the early days of the Covid pandemic. The isolating circumstances brought on by Covid, along with my stubborn desire to not want to alarm my family and friends, ultimately created the perfect storm for the rapid escalation of my condition.

Within a matter of months, I was no longer able to stand or to walk at all, and I lost most of the functional use of both my arms. I have spent the last three years in rehab facilities, hospitals and assisted living facilities….battling to survive and fighting to get better. Dozens of medical assessments later, the prognosis is very good but only with a lot of hard work over a long period of time.

And I am making progress…..one day at a time. You see, here’s the thing about me – I’M A FIGHTER. Those of who’ve ever tried to tell me I’m wrong, win an argument with me or tell me I couldn’t do something…..you definitely know I’m a fighter. So, despite the effect that MS has had on my body, I’m a fighter and I’m determined to keep fighting. After almost 3 years exhausting my Life savings and receiving help from family to cover the extraordinarily high medical/hospital bills, I’ve now come to the realization that I need to ask for help in this fight…. Because getting better hurts; physically and financially!

Those of you who’ve known me a long time may also know that my mother passed away from MS (as well as my only aunt on my father's side) when I was very young. While I’ve always been haunted by her struggles with the disease and the impact it had on my dad, who also passed away just two years after her……I’m also inspired every day by her spirit, her fight and the love he showed in supporting her.

My bills and expenses now exceed several thousand dollars a month more than what I receive from my disability insurance payments and the ability to meet these expenses is ultimately the difference between existence in perseverance.

I have finally found an incredible facility here in Texas with the 24/7 rehabilitative care with extensive physical and occupational therapy and it is working! While my body has been through the ringer, I am learning new ways to regain my independence and, to that end, I have recently launched my own recruiting firm specialized in the renewable energy industry….a space I spent 10+ years mastering but it takes time to get off the ground.

Every single cent raised will go towards the expenses related to my care, cost of living, rehabilitation, food, medical equipment, medication and transportation. Your support will enable me to focus 100% on my physical & mental rehabilitation and the growth of my new business, without the crippling stress of financial uncertainty. Along with getting better, my goal is to grow my business to a place where I can not only support myself, but to where I can also lift up others who need help…..and to also personally thank each and every one of you in-person for supporting me in my fight.