Most of us who grew up in Magnolia know the Peek and Ramos families. They are the kind of people who show up — for their family, for their friends, and for their community. On May 20th, Mike Ramos was badly injured while working and was airlifted by MedEvac to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he has been receiving care ever since. An MRI revealed fractures at the thoracic-lumbar junction — T12 and L1 — and he underwent surgery to stabilize his spine.
Spinal cord injuries of this kind are particularly frightening in the first 24 to 48 hours, because the full picture doesn't begin to emerge until the initial inflammation and shock resolve. Mike is beginning the long process of healing, and hope remains that he will make a positive recovery. Regardless, the road ahead is long, and his life is forever changed. There are no easy predictions with spinal cord injuries — but Mike is fighting, and his family is right there with him.
Mike will remain at Mass General for approximately two months of acute care, after which he will transition to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital — one of the country's leading spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs — to begin the longer, arduous work of recovery.
Lisa and her children, Stanley and Sean, have been at Mike's side around the clock, taking turns staying in a nearby hotel through the nights. The family is surrounded by love and deeply appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and supportive actions. Please understand that they are not able to respond to individual messages and calls at this time.
The Ramos family faces needs that are immediate and real. It is not yet known whether Mike will ever be able to return to work. Lisa has been, and will continue to be, a pillar of strength for her family. She is working and doing her best to hold onto that income while also being present for Mike as much as possible — a balance that is as exhausting as it sounds. And while Mike's acute care at Mass General and his rehabilitation at Spaulding are the immediate focus, what comes after is still an open question. The level of ongoing support, home care, and outpatient therapy he will need remains to be determined. It is certain that the costs ahead are significant, and overwhelming to contemplate. Your contributions will go toward:
• Home modifications and medical equipment. Depending on Mike's recovery, the family's home will likely need to be adapted for accessibility, and specialized equipment will be essential to his care and mobility.
• Vehicle adaptation. Transportation that accommodates a wheelchair is a necessity, not a luxury, for Mike's ongoing rehabilitation and daily life.
• Housing and household costs. The mortgage, utilities, and everyday expenses don't pause during a crisis. With Mike unable to work and Lisa balancing work demands against caregiving, these basics are at risk.
• Rehabilitation and medical expenses. Spinal cord injury recovery is intensive and long-term. Insurance covers only a portion of the therapies, equipment, and follow-on care Mike will need.
If you're able to give — anything at all — please do. And if you have questions about the fund or other ways to help the Ramos family, please reach out to the organizers directly using the contact link on this page.
**Please note that tax-deductible donations for the benefit of the Ramos family may also be made through The Gloucester Fund (www.thegloucesterfund.org/about), a local organization that partners with the community for the community and, among other things, provides emergency support when needed. Donations to the fund may be made via venmo (@TheGloucesterFund - look for the fishing boat logo), or by mailing a check to The Gloucester Fund, Inc., 44 ½ Main Street, Unit 1, Gloucester, MA 01930). Please be sure to include “Ramos Family” in the online description or in the memo line of your check.**
Thank you for your kind and compassionate support.