STEP UP TO THE MIC FOR MIKE

I'd like to tell you a story about my brother.  It's a story about a boy who became a man who has now taken on a new challenge.  

This story begins with a kid growing up in a small town called Alamosa.  He started with a mom named Josie, a dad Bruce, and a brother, Stephen.  

Michael is his name.  I'm his brother and this is the hardest thing I've ever had to write.  

Growing up together, we had the classic existence. A caring mother, an understanding father, and a family striving for the American dream - just like everyone else. 



Growing up Michael was the typical kid.  Looked like Kevin from the "Wonder Years"...



And was, dare I say, the nicest and most adorable  child you could know.  As the years passed he became an awesome athlete.  He was an All State Football player, and took 5th place in the 215lb division at the state-wrestling touranment. The key part of his fifth place finish was this; he was going against guys 25-35 pounds heavier than him.  He had one move, charge them, pick them up and either fall backwards and get pinned or flip them and pin them.  That's when I first started to look up to my little brother. 

He's taken on everything in life with that same gusto.  Although not as bright and sharp as his charasmactic older brother, he never gave up on any fight. Eventually, after finding his way, he went on to get his masters degree and has become a teacher for special needs kids.  

While going to school he met the love of his life, Kelli. They quickly fell in love and got married. 



They started a family. First is my pal Max, who has taught me that you don't say the words "poop pizza" around an impressionable child.  




After that, Sam came along as the "Ginger Assassin."  




In January, they gave birth to a daughter, Charlotte, who had finally completed what is a great family existence.




Now, we are faced with our biggest fight. After many tests and a trip to the Mayo Clinic, Michael has been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gherig's Disease. Absorb that for a second, as  many of you are familiar with the disease through the Ice Bucket Challenge. The scariest part of this disease is there is no real way to know how quickly it can turn or how aggressive it can be.

As of now, there is no cure.

With the help of the Mayo Clinic, Michael and our family have been given a little hope as he will begin a Stem Cell clinical trial late this summer and into the fall. This is a long process that requires Michael and his family moving to Minnesota for 3 months so he can undergo treatments. This also includes an additional trip at the end of July to harvest his fat cells, and continuous trips every three months for the next 2 years. 

The good news is, this starts with repair and may end with regeneration; meaning that there is a chance at Michael getting better.  

With three months of travel, three children and stepping away from work, the expenses will be very large. We've started this page to collect donations in hopes of relieving the cost of travel and loss of work income for Michael and Kelli. 

All donations will go towards a fund which Michael and Kelli will use to cover medical expenses, hotel, flights and hopefully an occasional nice meal. Any additional funds will be going into an account to start a college fund for all three kids.  Big or Small anything helps.