Let's show Mikey how much he's loved

Mikey Bjoraker, 45, has been a Bonners Ferry fixture, a standout Special Olympian, the cheerful neighbor who checked in on all his many friends on the South Hill, who pitched in at just about every business in town since his dear friend Connie Mieryteran gave him his first job at Alberto's when Mikey was 19.

A community treasure, Mikey was hit by a car and seriously injured crossing Highway 95 on his way to Liberty Qwik Stop on Bonners Ferry’s South Hill at about 5:48 p.m. Tuesday, November 26. His very survival became our community's Christmas miracle, that he's come so far and still gaining, making his recovery even more amazing.

But he still has far to go.

Mikey fought hard, coming out of a coma, regaining his speech, pushing himself with Olympic determination at St. Luke's Rehab in Spokane. Against all expectations, Mikey was discharged January 6 into the care of Connie and her husband, Dave Fox, at their Bonners Ferry home.

They've purchased and set up the exercise equipment Mikey needs, and he continues to push hard, fighting to regain his balance, the purposeful stride long familiar to his myriad neighbors, steps punctuated by his big smile and wave.

Mikey has come a long way since the accident, and he is still working hard to get back into his own home and back to visiting the neighbors "he loves too much," to getting back to work for those who love Mikey right back.

Proceeds from this campaign will be entrusted to Connie to be used while Mikey is under her care as well as to prepare his house with the equipment he'll need to stay safe and strong, to help with the many trips to and from medical and rehab appointments in places as far away as Spokane.

And they'll ensure Mikey has his daily Dr. Pepper!

"I always knew I loved Mikey," Connie said, "I just never appreciated how much. Thank you for helping ... every donation and every prayer will be appreciated, and all will be used to help Mikey put his life and his world back together."