On Sunday, March 21st, Michael Burris fell from his 5th wheel camper onto a slab of concrete while working on something on the roof. His wife and nearby neighbors immediately ran to him and called for help. He was unconscious, bleeding, and seemingly lifeless. Luckily, he was alive. The paramedics arrived quickly and were able to get him to a nearby hospital in Fort Pierce, Florida for immediate treatment. 

After many hours of tests and X-rays, doctors determined he had three broken/fractured vertebrae, the L1, L9, and L11. He also received a broken/fractured sternum. Michael was able to move and talk and doctors found he suffered no brain injuries. The only issue with his head was a gash that he got from the fall. He had to receive stitches for that. 

Currently, Michael is facing spinal surgery, scheduled for Tuesday, March 23rd. The surgeons are going to add pins to his broken vertebrae and make sure his spinal cord is uninjured. If the surgery goes well, Michael will only need physical therapy afterward.  

Michael is a pilot with Frontier Airlines. He has loved to fly for as long as I can remember. A year ago he was furloughed due to the situation surrounding COVID-19. Just two months ago he was reinstated and stationed at a base in Florida. While being a pilot, Michael and his wife were exploring the country, accomplishing dreams my dad has always wanted to do. They were excited and eager to see the natural wonders and scenic places of our country, however, this accident is going to severely set them back.

My dad has always been the kind of person that will bend over backward for others. He works diligently on all projects he puts his mind to and has always been there for his family in times of need. For me, personally, he has saved me at many difficult points of my life. Now his family and I ask for help as we support him through this difficult accident.

Michael's family is spread out across the Midwest. His son and myself (his oldest daughter) are located near St. Louis, Missouri. His mother and sisters are in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Because of his travels, Michael, his wife Kelley, and their youngest daughter are currently in Fort Pierce, Florida away from all of us. We are asking for donations not just for medical bills, but also to support Kelley as she takes care of their daughter and also to help fund travel back and forth for his family to see and take care of him. 

Michael has a long road to recovery but with the support of his friends and family, we can help him get back on his feet. We ask for as much help as possible, but thoughts and prayers are always appreciated if monetary donations are not possible for you.

If donating on GoFundMe is not your thing. Please send donations to my Venmo or PayPal. Venmo is @madisonburrisxx and my PayPal is under the email [email redacted]