Hello Everyone!

Nearly 12 years ago I was called to become legal guardian of my disabled nephew, John Michael. It has been the most rewarding experience and one that has defined me.

John Michael was born premature and with multiple medical issues. John underwent multiple surgeries as an infant and toddler to help repair his physical issues. As a toddler he was diagnosed with ADHD. In his adolescence he was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. He has been on medication his entire life. John Michael struggled throughout school and was placed in special education classes. He was required to complete the 12th grade twice as a result of his learning disabilities.

John Michael's mother attempted to take on guardianship when John Michael turned 18 but she was removed by the state. Court documents indicate that she was removed due to her struggle with addiction, poor decision-making skills, and endangering John Michael's life. After losing guardianship, John Michael's mother packed up her belongings and fled to Nebraska, fearing she might also lose her rights to her daughter, Rachael, if she stayed in Minnesota.

John Michael's mother has a long history of addiction that continues to this day. John Michael's mother refuses to maintain any regular employment or housing. She has been in and out of jail and rehab countless times. She was even previously pulled over for driving intoxicated and found to have not only her children in the vehicle but open bottles as well. Reports also state that she previously forced John Michael to drive her to the liquor store despite the fact that he didnt have a drivers license.

As a teenager, John Michael found solace and support at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN. John Michael took it upon himself to attend bible study and church services alone, while his mother was passed out drunk in their home. John Michael was eventually confirmed at Central Lutheran Church and has since developed a devoted and meaningful friendship with Pastor Ryan.

While living in Nebraska, John Michael's mother dated a man named George who has a well known reputation as the town druggie. John Michael's mother invited George into her home where George often beat her daughter, Rachael, and punched holes in the walls. John Michael's mother also made several suicide attempts leaving her daughter to find her.

When I became guardian of John Michael, I found his mother had left him in a group home that wasnt licensed to house people, let alone administer any type of treatment or care. I immediately sought out alternative care where John Michael has been since.

In one of the first conversations I had with John Michael after becoming his guardian, I asked him what his hobbies were; I further explained that hobbies were activities he liked to do after school and on the weekends. John Michael told me that his mother had provided him with extensive pornography and that he watched these videos after school and on the weekends. At the same time I was granted guardianship, John Michael had recently been convicted of raping his then girlfriend. I fought for John Michael to stay out of jail. I later learned that John Michael's mother had urged him to find a girlfriend and have sex, telling John Michael that this is what kids his age do. Both John Michael and his sister have since disclosed to me that their mother also engaged in sexual acts with John Michael's underaged high school friends during this time!

As his guardian, I urged John Michael's team of social workers and therapists that we should have John Michael re-diagnosed. As a result, it was determined that John Michael suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. While this has clearly helped John Michael seek support and achieve many things he was told he wouldnt be able to, including earning his drivers license; as well as help John Michael's team tremendously in learning how best to communicate with him and identify his limitations; had his mother been honest, John Micheal could have received the assistance he required as a child.

Two years ago John Michael's sister decided to separate herself from their mother due to the toxicity and abuse. John Michael's mother returned to Minnesota. Upon her return to Minnesota, John Michael's mother has had at least 4 different addresses, further illustrating her instability.

Earlier this year John Michael's mother filed a petition with the court to regain guardianship of John Michael. In May she lied to the court and told the judge if she were allowed to have a relationship with John Michael that she would withdraw the petition. In June, she stated she wanted full guardianship. This would be detrimental to John Michael and the progress that he has made. For the first time in his life, John Michael has stability. For the first time in his life, John Michael has been able to be around peers who suffer from similar disabilities. For the first time in his life, John Michael, has a job that he is proud of, and has undergone therapy to learn how to have healthy relationships and surround himself with healthy people.

I have hired a lawyer to help represent me in this matter. I have already provided a retainer for the past 6 months of service, but I received notice that the law firm requires another $5000 to prepare for trial in September.

John Michael has suffered enough!

John Michael and I kindly request that you support our efforts in honoring his wishes to help me remain his guardian. Every bit helps.

Thank you!