In late August, Brother Michael was on vacation in Sacramento, CA with his beautiful wife Sonia. She traveled home two days prior to Michael's departure as he was staying a couple extra days for business purposes.  While getting ready to leave California, he arrived at the airport where he suffered a massive stroke and was taken to Sutter General Hospital. His brain still has a pool of blood and will reabsorb once the swelling goes down, which could take approximately 1 month.  The part of the brain damaged will never be repaired but through therapy, and a lot of support, he will gain control of his paralysis on the right side and re-learn to talk.

Michael Alvarez is PM of John Darling Lodge in Tampa, Florida where he has lived for the last 20 years of his adult life.

They just got the good news that he will be medically evacuated home on Friday Sept 2. Michael will enter a "bootcamp" like rehab at Tampa General Hospital where he will get intensive therapies to help him regain his speech, his strength, and movement on his right side.

The medical costs are already in the tens of thousands and climbing as he spent several days in ICU and another week at Sutter General Hosptial.  It will be such a relief to have Michael and Sonia back in Tampa where all his family and lodge brothers are eagerly waiting to help him and his wife on his road to recovery.

Sonia, Michael's wife has vigilantly stayed by his side and is learning from his therapists how to best support Michael.  Her father, Jerry, traveled with her to Sacramento and has been by her side the entire time. Michael's mother, Iris, immediately flew to Sacramento to support Michael and Sonia.  The family is helping and supporting in every way, but this will be a long term recovery and financial assistance, fellowship, and heart felt prayers are welcome and appreciated.  

It remains to be seen what insurance will cover.  As of September 16th they will be a single income couple, and beginning October 1st they will have to pay for Michael's insurance out of pocket, which is $223 a month.  Micheal's employer, Rhein Medical, Inc., has graciously held Michael's position under FMLA for 12 weeks and in that time they will need to determine the next course of action.  

Any financial contribution is welcome and appreciated more than you will know.  Please know that Sonia, Micheal's friends and family, and lodge brothers "Thank You" for your kindness in helping Michael get the treatment he needs to recover and heal and allowing Sonia a little peace of mind as she transitions into a new life with Michael.