First, I want to say hello to all the kind and wonderful people here who make this possible. Even if you choose not to help my brother Michael, what all of you do here is a beautiful thing. My heart goes out to all those in need. I truly hope you know how incredibly kind you all are, and I hope you find the right cause to help fund.

On September 15th, 2025, my brother Michael Lund had a very serious accident. I will start by giving a little background about him and myself. Michael and I have both been in recovery now for over 7 years, clean and sober. Unfortunately, our addiction led us to do some things neither of us are very proud of. We both were released early from prison about the same time in June of 2025 for good behavior. We both promised to be each other's rock, to support one another and work the program. We both found jobs and started working hard, completed the Bridges to Change program, and found a clean and sober living arrangement.

On September 15th, 2025, my brother got off work and rode the bus to meet me at my job as I got off late and had to walk home. My brother worries about me and didn't want me to walk alone. So, we walked together about 3/4 of a mile to a little park by the library in downtown Milwaukie, OR. We don't live at the same place, so at this point, the plan is to hang out for a bit, talk about our day, and just enjoy each other's company until we part ways and walk to our own homes. We have a curfew as it is only his second day in his new digs.

Well, as we are getting ready to say goodbye for the night, my little brother starts making the craziest/weirdest noise I've ever heard. I couldn't recreate it if I wanted to. I thought he was screwing with me as little brothers do, until he started flailing about, punching me in the jaw in the process. Just before I could grab him and try to hold him down, my little brother threw himself off the park bench and hit his head on the concrete edge where the sidewalk meets the grass. I called 911, and eventually, AMR showed up 15 minutes later. At this point, Michael is still unconscious, but clearly, there is a head wound/injury, and he is not moving. They are able to wake him, and he is in very much pain. He says he can't feel his arms or legs, let alone move them. They ignore his warnings, tell him he is fine, and ask him to stand up. He tells them he can't. To me, it seems like it pisses them off. Three of the paramedics, one grabs one arm, one grabs one leg, and finally, the other grabs Michael's other leg. Then, with no C-collar, they yank him 3-4 feet to a stretcher. He is taken to the local hospital, evaluated, and then airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. It was a very traumatic experience.

So, now cut to the diagnosis. My little brother had suffered a seizure and broke his neck. He is now a complete quadriplegic due to a spinal cord lesion. Unfortunately, the bad luck doesn't stop there. While in the hospital, during a day I was not able to be there by his side, he was visited by a "friend" whom my brother had helped out a few times because he and I both have been on a "help those in need" kick since release. My brother, not yet thinking clearly because he is heavily medicated, lets Jacob talk him into helping make a Facebook post letting everyone know he's okay. Well, as soon as he gets my brother's phone pin, he takes off from the hospital with his phone and wallet, cleans out my brother's bank account of all his savings to the tune of $1,650—all he has to his name—plus his $1,000 phone. We have filed 2 claims with Chime and been denied both times. So as of now, that money is lost forever.

It doesn't stop there. As I mentioned before, Michael had moved into his sober living room the day before the accident. I contacted them to pick up his stuff and asked for a refund as he only slept there one night. They said they were so sorry to hear of his unfortunate situation, that they would refund his card and let me come get his things. When I get there, his stuff is already packed. I thought it was weird that they did that without asking but chalked it up to them trying to save me time, being nice. Well, come to find out, they never refunded the money—$1,250. Also, Mikey only made one expensive purchase for himself since starting work. He bought himself a very nice watch worth over $1,000. It was not in his property.

At this point, my brother needs a win. He doesn't deserve any of this. Mikey is such a wonderful person. And even though he has suffered so much the past month and a half, the guy still thanks God for the blessing of life. He still finds the strength to smile. He is finding pleasure in the little things. He believes in his heart that now he can use this experience to eventually help others in this position. He holds no animosity towards any who have done him wrong. My brother is the strongest, most compassionate person I know. If anyone deserves a little help, it is this man. Anything will help. There is so much needed now. All we have now is my job, and it's not enough. We don't have anything to fall back on. We just started to build an honest life, and it felt good. We need your help. We are so hopeful, we are so thankful. That is all I have. Please remember, anything and everything helps. Thank you for your time and consideration. God bless!