Hi, I’m Michael, though many people know me as Magic, and today I’m asking for help for myself, my fiancé, and our two children. Four years ago, while I was working as a welder, I inhaled chemicals during a workplace accident. That accident changed my life. It caused severe oropharyngeal dysphagia, asthma, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, and muscle wasting. I have gone through refeeding syndrome twice and nearly lost my life. Since then, I’ve lost 66 pounds and have lived with the fear of choking because I cannot safely swallow solids, and even liquids can be dangerous. I used to be a martial artist and a super athlete at 178 pounds. Now I’m preparing for PEG tube surgery and will be out of work for 8 weeks as I try to recover and finally get the nutrition my body desperately needs.

The hardest part of all of this has been what it has taken from my family. I haven’t been able to sit down and enjoy a meal with my children for years, and that breaks my heart. I just want to regain my strength, play with my kids again, and let them see the dad they remember instead of the skeleton I’ve become. We are asking for support to help cover medical bills, rent, groceries, and gas for transportation so my fiancé and children can visit me in the hospital. My fiancé is currently the only one working while also caring for our children, and I want to ease some of that burden during this difficult time. If you can give, share, or keep us in your prayers, it would mean more than I can say. I’m hoping this surgery gives me a chance to heal, recover, and be Magic again for my family.