Help Mike, the StrokeSlayer, Walk 400 Miles of Hope

Hello Friends,

I want to share a story with you that's deeply personal to me—a story of hardship, but also of hope, resilience, and the unyielding power of love (if you only do one thing - watch the video!!). My name is Tony, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mike and Kristie for many years and am proud to share their story. Mike was originally a colleague and then grew quickly into an amazing and inspiring friend. He has been a source of strength and joy to so many, someone who would lead the charge to tackle any challenge with determination and a smile. But on November 18, 2022, everything changed in the blink of an eye.

Mike was suddenly struck down by a catastrophic aortic aneurysm, leading to multiple embolic strokes during a grueling emergency surgery. His prognosis was grim. The strokes caused extensive bi-hemispheric brain damage, affecting his cerebellum, occipital, and parietal lobes. As Mike lay in a coma on life support for a month, Kristie and his loved ones faced an unbearable reality—they were told to prepare for the worst, that Mike might never wake up, and if he did, he would likely face a life of profound disability.

When Mike finally awoke, it was to a world more devastating than any nightmare. He was unable to see, walk, or even recognize the world around him as he once had. The man who had been a pillar of strength was now confronting a life where the simplest of tasks were monumental challenges. The journey from the brink of death to an uncertain and harrowing recovery left Kristie and their two children reeling, grasping for hope in the face of overwhelming loss.

But if there’s one thing I know about Mike, it’s that he never gives up. During his time in the rehabilitation unit, Mike earned the nickname ‘StrokeSlayer’ from his medical team—an apt title for someone who refused to be defined by his prognosis. Despite the odds, he chose to fight back. With every ounce of strength he had, and with Kristie and the kids by his side, he began to reclaim his life. Step by painful step, he learned to walk again, to see the world through new eyes, and to find a new purpose. But Mike didn’t stop at just surviving—he wanted to turn his struggle into a source of hope for others. That’s how StrokeLyf was born.

Now, Mike is taking on a new challenge—a 400-mile walk from Ashland to San Francisco to raise awareness and funds for young stroke survivors. But this isn’t just Mike’s journey. He’s surrounded by a group of close friends and family—Team Fast Twitch—who are walking every mile with him, providing support, encouragement, and ensuring that he has everything he needs to succeed. This walk is about more than just Mike’s personal recovery; it’s about giving back and providing hope to others who are facing similar battles. As he walks to renew his wedding vows with Kristie, he’s also raising awareness and funds to support other young stroke survivors and their families. But we can’t do this alone.

While we wait for the government to process the 501(c)(3) status for StrokeLyf, the funds we raise now are critical. They will help Mike complete this walk and ensure that StrokeLyf can begin providing the support that other young stroke survivors and their families desperately need. The challenges ahead are great, but with your support, we can turn this vision into reality.

I’ve seen firsthand the impact that community support can have. I’ve watched Kristie and the kids stand by Mike with unwavering love, and I’ve seen Mike’s determination to turn his pain into a purpose that can change lives. I’ll never forget the day Mike first talked about this walk—how he wanted to transform his own battle into something that could empower others (this was before he could walk more than a mile himself). But we're at a point where none of this is possible without you.

Please, consider donating today. Your contribution will help Mike finish this incredible journey and give hope to countless others who need it most. Together, we can be the strength that turns survivors into StrokeSlayers.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with Mike, Kristie, and their family. Your generosity means more than words can express.

All the best,

Tony Tom