Pay It Forward

Dear friends;

I'm posting on behalf of my friend, Mike Thistle. Mike is a great guy who has had a rollercoaster life. Mike was a professional basketball player invited to try out with the Celtics in the 80s and then went on to play professional basketball in Europe. Mike's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer. Mike returned to the States, but now out of basketball, he lost his health insurance and soon found himself bankrupt and homeless. Between his cancer, homelessness and depression, Mike became an alcoholic and struggled with addiction.

I met Mike six years ago while he was selling Spare Change News in front of the WholeFoods on Prospect Street in Cambridge. He was still unhoused and struggling with sobriety. I worked with Mike to secure a housing voucher and a studio apartment for him through Cambridge’s Inclusionary Housing program.

Mike is now five years sober. He earned his license as a Peer Addiction Counselor and now works at a non-profit helping others with sobriety. He's doing great and has completely turned his life around.

Mike's job requires him to have a car as he travels to various communities to meet with his clients. Mike's car is on its last legs; without a replacement, he will lose his job and possibly his housing.

I am trying to help Mike raise $7,000, so he can purchase a decent, used car. I know times are difficult for everyone but my hope is that collectively we can pull together and help Mike. He has worked so hard to turn his life around and is paying it forward by helping others. Unfortunately, Mike's job doesn't pay him much, and he isn't able to make this purchase on his own.

Mike is too proud to ask for help, so here I am. If possible, please consider contributing anything you can to the Mike Thistle Car Fund, and let's show Mike how much we care.

Thank you,

Marc McGovern