It’s tough to admit when you need help, but unfortunately we’re at that point. Many of you know Mike Harding. He has been an active member of the Panama City community for decades, serving on the Board of Trustees Bay Medical Center, President of the FSU-PC Campus Foundation, Director of the Northwest Florida American Red Cross, Senior Warden on St. Andrew’s and Holy Nativity Episcopal Church vestries, and a mentor to students as a member of the University of Florida Telecommunication Advisory Council. He was also instrumental in establishing the Sigma Chi Chapter at the University of West Florida, and was recently honored as a Significant Sig for his contributions to the fraternity.

About 18 months ago, he developed early signs of an illness for which doctors could not find treatment. That illness led to multiple infections that compromised his ability to work. He has been in and out of the hospital several times during this long road to discovery. This past eight weeks have been particularly difficult for pain management. An MRI two weeks ago revealed an abscess in his spinal cord. Surgery was required to replace his C6 and C7 vertebrae, which had been completely compromised by infection. The stress on his spinal cord over that extended period of time has caused paralysis in his arms and legs that will take up to 18 months of rehab to heal. He is currently in ICU recovering from the surgery and battling both blood and spinal infections while doctors also search for a reason he is rapidly losing blood platelets. Neither he nor his wife, Mary Ellen, have been able to work for an extended period of time, as he has required around-the-clock care. That combined with the medical bills has put them in a tough position financially.

If you know Mike and Mary Ellen and you are looking for a way you can help, then please consider a financial contribution to his medical and living expenses while he recovers and they get back on their feet. Thank you in advance for your support of our family during this difficult time.