Donate to Mike for a van with a wheelchair Lift

Please Help Michael “MIKE” Felts get a van with a wheelchair lift so he can maintain his mobility and get to critical medical appointments, attend family/friend gatherings and events, and just try to live a somewhat normal life with his current condition.

Mike Felts, husband, father, friend, athlete, retired VA Beach Police Officer, unfortunately, has recently been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022 ) which is a quickly progressing disease. Mike’s medical journey began seventeen years ago. Mike was in excellent health and very active. First, he was diagnosed with Lupus which led to a blood mass forming on his spine that paralyzed him. After two long years of rehabilitation, he was able to walk with one cane. Soon after this accomplishment, he contracted an infection that destroyed his left hip socket and permanently put him in a wheelchair after wearing a body brace for a year to be infection free before having a difficult hip replacement. During this time, due to the Lupus and heavy medications, his kidneys failed requiring dialysis 4 times a week for three miserable years until he was blessed with a good friend and now permanent soulmate who donated his kidney to Mike which greatly enhanced his quality of life in 2016. Through all of this, Mike continued to live life to the fullest spreading positivity along the way to all the people he encountered. You would find Mike on the boardwalk riding his 3-wheel scooter with Sadie, his 3 lb. Yorkie in his basket stopping to talk to everyone or working the security desk at church. Mike’s family continues to keep him active and involved in as much as possible. Recently, ALS has progressively weakened his muscles. His ability to be mobile without assistance is becoming much too difficult. Mike is no longer able to drive. He needs assistance transferring to a chair or bed, assistance with showering, dressing, preparing food, and even feeding himself. His independence is slowly disappearing. Most importantly, his wife is now unable to transfer him in and out of a vehicle by herself.

The one item that Mike desperately needs to maintain freedom to travel and attend medical appointments is transportation in a handicapped/wheelchair van with a lift. These vehicles are expensive, but necessary, starting at around $30K for a used one. Our goal is to try and help raise $30,000 to make this van affordable monthly for his family who are also needing to make modifications to his house like widening doorways, transforming his shower, replacing carpet with hard flooring for wheelchair, and purchasing numerous other durable medical pieces of equipment.

I would like to explain why Mike is deserving of any financial assistance you can spare to help with Mike’s expenses. For family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances…. You will know why Mike is deserving of our support. People who just want to help, we thank you. As I mentioned, Mike is my brother-in-law, but to me, he is a true brother. He has always been there for me, providing support and sound advice on anything I have asked him for. He has always taken care of my little sister (Joy, his wife) which is always what a big brother wants. I have great respect for the man Mike is and how he has conducted his life. Like all of us, he is not perfect, but he is always trying to improve, which is all any of us can hope for!

Mike is definitely a family man. He is a dedicated husband and father to his two children, son Christopher and daughter Ashely. Mike spent countless hours volunteering to coach teams that Christopher and other children were on instilling sportsmanship, hard work, and teamwork to all the players. In addition, he attended/ supported Ashley’s cheerleading events up and down the east coast for 18 years. He has also strongly supported Ashley’s goal of becoming a Dental Hygienist professional, which will soon become a reality. This is an example of his deep love for his children and others involved in those activities. Mike has supported his sister, Melissa, and her children, McKinley and Addison, by attending cheerleading and volleyball competitions, as well.

Mike grew up in New Kent County and attended NK High school where he played a significate part participating in football, baseball, & basketball and developed many close friendships with his team members, coaches, and classmates. Mike was a dedicated teammate and was recognized as a leader by being selected as team captain and voted Homecoming King his senior year. Mike maintains a close relationship with his family and friends in NK attending special events and spending time hunting with his family and friends when possible.

After graduating from New Kent HS, Mike attended VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University). While there, he was a part of the cheerleading squad with his wife, Joy. He has always been an advocate of school spirit and teamwork. He graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice.

Mike has dedicated his professional life to the service of others. He spent 20 years protecting and serving the city of VA Beach and its visitors. He Volunteered for many different assignments within the force, was recognized for his leadership and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He developed close relationships with professionals within the VA Beach Police Department, the Fire/EMS departments, and other law enforcement and federal agencies during his tenure. In addition, Mike spent 12 1/2 years with the Virginia Beach Police Department as a civilian working part-time. A dedicated professional!

Over the years Mike has developed a strong relationship with his faith and Church (VA Beach United Methodist Church). He has spent countless hours attending services and working at the church and has established many strong relationships with the staff and congregation. He serves on the safety ministry, works the front desk, and is a life group leader.

100% of the funds raised will be transferred to Mike and Joy to meet and hopefully exceed the projected goal.

It is difficult seeing someone I, and so many others, care about so much in this situation. It just does not seem fair. I hope we can make his life just a little easier and more fulfilling by enabling him to continue to be mobile, which will help him and his family through this challenging time. So PLEASE help by contributing to Mike’s Go Fund Me account or directly. If you contribute or are unable to contribute at this time, please pass this Go Fund Me link/information on to as many people as you can via all media outlets like friends, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, etc. Mike and his family would greatly appreciate your support. THANK YOU!