Help Michelle Heal Without Financial Worry

Whether it's from juggling multiple jobs, raising her five kids as a single mom, or caring for her community, Michelle lives her life with her arms full. On one Sunday in early March, Michelle's arms were full of a box of tools. Walking through the garage, Michelle tripped. Unable to brace herself as she fell, she landed face-first on a car jack.

When Michelle went to seek medical care, she was shocked to learn her insurance was inactive. When she'd enrolled herself and her kids in MNsure as usual, she thought nothing of her kids' insurance cards arriving in the mail before hers. She figured hers would arrive soon. Little did she know, there had been an error in the process and she was uninsured. Michelle faced the agonizing choice of seeking serious medical care without the safety net of health insurance.

After days of overwhelming pain, Michelle bravely chose to get the medical care she deserved, despite the fear of an enormous hospital bill. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and quickly received extensive facial trauma surgery, including multiple incisions and the installation of three plates and twelve screws.

Michelle is now home and recovering. In April, she will meet with a specialist to learn her prognosis. For now, she is on a strict soft-foods diet and unable to work for an unknown period of time. Michelle works as an installation crew lead for a nonprofit-owned landscaping company. She takes great pride in building sustainable, ecologically beneficial landscapes. Her work is very physically demanding, and it is unclear how safe it will be for her to work as she heals.

My dream is for Michelle to have the support she needs to be able to rest without worrying as she heals from this devastating injury. Despite facing a lifetime of adversity, Michelle is one of the most kind and generous people I know. Even when money's tight, it never stops her from packing an extra sandwich in case someone can't afford lunch. Even when her own car needs repairs she can't afford, it never stops her from helping a stranger with a flat tire (which I've seen her do multiple times). She's always there to lend a caring ear, give a hug, or help in any way she can.

I'd love for Michelle to receive a taste of her own extravagantly kind medicine. This GoFundMe will offer direct relief to the immense financial stress Michelle is under. If you can, please join me in contributing to this gift. If you're unable to financially contribute, please consider sharing this story and posting words of encouragement for Michelle to read below.