I've been friends with Mike since the 10th grade and know him, as many know him, as one of the smartest, kindest, most fun guys you could have in your life. He has influenced many in our community through his ministries, spiritual direction, and deep friendships. Please assist us in giving back to Mike during this time of personal hardship so that he can return to the life he loves of walking alongside others in spiritual direction, changing the world one person at a time.

Mike has had some personal and health difficulties which prevent him from working. He has been hospitalized 6 times since May of 2017 and has applied for Social Security disability, but the initial claim was denied. His appeal is pending, but the process is slow and time consuming, and he has exhausted his savings. This campaign is simply to raise funds to help fill the gap while his applications for benefits work through the system. Mike needs money to help cover the following expenses: cell phone bills, car insurance, utilities, and a loan repayment among others. The medical bills alone may well force bankruptcy, but for the coming months the goal is to raise $3,000 to pay the aforementioned expenses and make some other minimum payments while benefits, insurance claims and long term financial situation can be sorted out.

Here are the immediate concerns:

1) He's run out of money. He had a job during first quarter of this year but lost it  as a result of his health issues. He was denied unemployment benefits. He has had no income since March and has run out of the money he had saved from the sale of his home last year.

2) He has applied for social security disability, but the disability determination process is long and bureaucratic, it could be a while before he receives any government assistance.

4) He's worried about having his cell phone shut off, his phone is his lifeline to the outside world.

5) He's currently living with his son in an apartment he adores, but the future is uncertain as he can not afford to pay the rent or utilities.

6) Probably 12-15 years ago he was diagnosed with sleep apnea, sleep deprivation is one of his current issues which compounds the mental fragility. He doesn't have a CPAP machine currently, I'd like to find a way to get him one ASAP without dealing with the maize of insurance.

In sum here are his immediate needs: some money for next month's rent and cell ph bill and utilities. He's worked so little since the end of 2016. Hopefully his disability claim is approved, but that won't be in time to meet the needs of the next few months, and he's greatly concerned about keeping his apartment.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and think about how you might be able to help our friend.