Michelle's Miracle Fund

I have only known the Schwier family for a year now, but in that short time they have impacted my family more than they will ever know. For those of you have not been lucky enough to meet Michelle Schwier, she is an infectious, light-hearted, motivated, and caring person who would do anything (no matter how big or small) to help out someone in need.

Michelle has a history of helping others – she received a degree in Respiratory Therapy approximately five to six years ago. Since then, she has served as an Asthma Outreach Coordinator and Respiratory Therapist, among other roles assisting and supporting people. She truly lives to help others.

A particularly touching and recent example of Michelle’s kindness that I recall occurred last Christmas (2014). I hadn’t known the Schwier family very long, but Michelle called me, completely nervous, yet excited. She saw men in military uniforms walking around Walmart, buying toys. She discovered they were buying toys for kids in need, and was so moved by their compassion, she wanted to help but was unsure if and how she should. After talking with me for a few moments, she determined she would help pay for the bill. After she hung up, Michelle bought a Walmart gift card along with the rest of her purchase, and nervously gave the gift card to the cashier to use toward the military men’s bill.

While Michelle is passionate about caring for others, her deepest love is of her husband and children – they are the center of her universe. Michelle and Mike have been married for 17 years and have two amazing children – Andrew and Anna. Michelle’s priority in everything she does is to ensure her family is cared for, has every opportunity to do what they love, and is not in need/want of anything. She is truly a modern-day superhero.

Michelle now needs the help of others. On August 17th, Michelle suffered a massive stroke. The stroke has effected 40% of the left side of her brain, leaving her unable to walk, talk, or use the right side of her body. She can comprehend what is happening and nod/shake her head to answer questions. Michelle has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Baltimore, Maryland where staff will spend every day working with her to regain functionality of her right side, and hopefully teach her how to walk, write and talk again. The facility is located about an hour from the Schwier home, and Michelle will be a patient there for several months. As you can imagine, Michelle has a long road ahead of her, as does her family.

As Michelle’s husband (Mike) of 17 years goes through this emotional rollercoaster, he has a lot to balance. He has to find and constantly walk that fine line of how often to be with his wife or be Mr. Mom with his kids at home while also working a full-time job as he now responsible for the family’s only source of income.

Mike now has to figure out when bills are due, help with school projects, attend school meetings, set up doctor's appointments, and so much more, while Michelle works to bounce back from this unexpected turn of events. The Schwier household has forever changed. Now, it’s our turn to give back, and provide the Schwiers with the help, love and support that Michelle has so generously, thoughtlessly, and thanklessly given to so many.