Help Michael rise up as a survivor and a hero

Hi, my name is Cheryl West, and on Sunday, November 21st, I received a call that no mother imagines receiving: "Hello Cheryl, this is Leah, the Christ Hospital Emergency Room Chaplain and I am here with your son, Michael. He has been shot in the leg at a gas station". As anyone can imagine, I was in complete shock, especially since Michael does not live a lifestyle that puts him at high risk of being shot.

 

I raised Michael, 22, to be righteous, to stand up for others, to say something when someone is being hurt or being wronged. This is what he did that evening. It is by the Grace and Mercy of God and an army of angels that my only child is alive today.

 

At approximately 5:55 pm that evening, Michael stopped at the Shell Gas Station as he often does at 117th and Pulaski for something to drink. An irate customer was arguing with the employee. Michael waited in line while this continued. A young female customer behind Michael finally asked if she could please pay and leave. The irate customer then turned his rage on her and assaulted her physically posturing against her. My son tried to defuse the situation. This customer's rage turned towards my son and a physical altercation ensued. However it ended with both of them walking out different doors. My son was in the doorway when the offender re-entered the gas station with a gun and shot my son. He chased him outside continuing to shoot him and making statements like "this will teach you to mind your own business". He also robbed my son of his cash before he left. Still thinking of others, my son risked his life and refused to give up his actual wallet so this monster would not know our address to have access to me.

 

Michael was rushed by ambulance to Christ Hospital where he was treated and continues to be hospitalized. He has had surgery to repair fractures in his right foot, clean out his left knee joint, remove a bullet from his left thigh, and tie off an artery to his left foot. He is unable to walk yet and has no feeling in the bottom of his left foot.

 

We are a proud, hard working family and Michael is on my BC/BS PPO insurance. But his recovery will be long and he will lose an unknown amount of wages due to this. We have no idea of the medical costs at this time. When he is released, he will have ongoing visits with ortho and vascular doctors and regular physical therapy. So many people have asked how they can help and we wanted to give another opportunity as we know we need to ask for and accept all of the help we can get.

 

My son has always been my hero and I did my best to raise him, making many mistakes along the way, but he is a good, kind, strong, brave, righteous, and decent man despite my mistakes. A young woman is safe because of him. I truly believe that. I also believe that our lives were forever changed by an evil monster on Sunday, November 21st, but so much love, goodness, and kindness have flowed straight toward us since then. It could have been anyone's son in a gas station early evening on a Sunday and because of that, I will fight for justice, healing, and support for my son every step of the way. Thank you for your consideration and all who have helped us this past week. We are so grateful to our loved ones and the strangers we now call friends.

 

With gratitude,

Cheryl West

On behalf of and with permission of

My son Michael Haynes and his father

Frank Haynes