Michelle is undergoing major spinal reconstruction after years of standing behind the chair and showing up for everyone else—now she needs time, care, and support to heal.

Who She Is

Our mom, Michelle, has spent decades on her feet, behind the chair, behind the scenes, and behind every person she’s ever loved.

She’s a well-known cosmetologist in our community, not just because she’s talented, but because she shows up. With warmth. With wisdom. With unwavering loyalty.

Now she’s facing a 53° spinal curve and a full back reconstruction.

Three months (minimum) off work.

No income. No benefits.

And the people she’s carried for years finally have the chance to carry her.

The Soul of the Chair

She always jokes she should’ve had a degree in counseling. Honestly? She’s not wrong.

Her salon chair isn’t just where people come for hair, it’s where they come to lay down their grief, their joy, their hope, and their story.

The beauty she creates isn’t just in her hands.

It’s in her heart.

She holds space with gentleness, humor, and strength for everyone but herself.

But between the weight of the world and her devotion to her craft, her spine has quite literally been compromised under the pressure she’s carried for others.

And yet, she would never ask for help.

Because giving has always been how she kept her cup full.

She’s endured pressure most will never see—

and still, she smiled.

If pain couldn’t take her light,

healing will only make it brighter.

Her Surgery & Recovery

Monday, July 21, 2025 our mom will undergo major spinal reconstruction to correct a severe thoracolumbar scoliosis curve caused by years of long hours, awkward angles, and selfless work.

Her surgery includes:

She’ll be unable to work, drive, or lift for months and will need space, support, and rest to heal safely.

Her body finally told the truth:

Now it’s her turn to be carried.

Why This Matters

This fundraiser helps provide:

She’s been the backbone for so many.

Now it’s our turn to be hers.

The Goal: Her Healing, In Phases

We’re starting small, just like recovery itself.

Let’s help her fund her milestones:

Phase 1 – $1,500

Prescriptions, post-op supplies, basic recovery

Phase 2 – $4,000

Lost income + bills for Month 1

Phase 3 – $12,000 (Final Goal)

Full 3-month recovery without rushing her back to work

Every step forward unlocks the next.

If we exceed a phase, we immediately roll into the next with updates and gratitude all the way through.

Every Gesture Matters

Whether it’s $5, $20, a kind prayer, or kind words, support, and encouragement, know this:

Whatever you are willing to offer helps her feel deeply loved by the very people she’s spent a lifetime loving.

Prefer to give directly?

Click here to visit our Support Hub for:

Stay Connected

We’ll post updates here as her journey unfolds to include her milestones, surgery recovery, and sweet reminders of how powerful community can be.

As her children, we want to thank you for being part of the village she’s poured herself into and for reflecting back the light she gives so effortlessly.

With deepest gratitude,

Maggie & Zach Birkestrand