Uncle Mike's New Chair

This is the story of our Uncle Mike.

Mike Fairbanks was born with a rare genetic disorder, called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Named after him, it is also known as "Fairbanks Disease." See link below  for details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_epiphyseal_dysplasia

In short this aliment causes his joints to fuse together.

When Uncle Mike was finally diagnosed at the age of 2, his doctors told his parents that they would be lucky if he lived long enough to see his 14th birthday.

He will turn 61 this year.

Uncle Mike's life hasn't been one without hardship. From age 11-17, Mike would begin his summers by visiting the doctor to have his legs broken after fusing together. He would spend the rest of his summer in a cast from his ankles to his chest.

As Uncle Mike has gotten older, and after dozens of major surgeries over his life time, he has found himself resigned to an electric wheelchair.

His wheelchair has broken.

Without his wheelchair, Uncle Mike cannot move around like he needs to, and finds himself unable to endure the pain that being out of bed brings him. If he doesn't move around like he needs to, eventually his bones will fuse together, and he will die.

Despite his limited mobility (he is unable to bend his left leg, and has only 20% of the range in his other extremities), and the unceasing pain he finds himself in, his insurance refuses to help pay for a new chair because he "isn't handicapped enough."

This is where we come in.

Any donation would truly mean the world to us and to Uncle Mike. His resolve to keep living his life the best he can is unwavering. Even the smallest donation helps to continue Uncle Mike's story.

We will be updating the page from time to time, letting you know whats happening with Uncle Mike, and getting him a new chair!





If you wish to donate an alternate way, the song used in the video is available for purchase here: http://thecampbellbrothers.bandcamp.com/