Support Michal Habetin and Taryn Beauvais

We’re reaching out to everyone Michal has ever made laugh. Whether you know him through hockey, construction, friends, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Black Rock City, Poland or somewhere in between, you’re here because Michal has been part of your world.

Last Friday, Michal collided with another player during a pickup hockey game. In a single moment, everything changed.

Michal suffered a severe spinal injury and underwent major surgery to fuse C3–C5. Right now, he has no feeling below the shoulders. The doctors are hopeful he may regain movement in his hands, but they’ve been honest that walking again is unlikely. He’s aware of what’s happened, but being intubated makes communication difficult. Using yes/no nods and a letter board, he asked to start exercises, spelling the word “P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E”, which made us laugh. That’s still him: The Thoroughbread.

These are still early days, though, and if anyone can prove them wrong, it’s Michal.

Michal and Taryn now face months in hospital and rehabilitation, likely including a long stay at GF Strong. Their lives and livelihood have been completely upended. Construction work on their house is on hold. Taryn will be spending most of her time in the city. Home, routines, and plans have all been blown apart.

This fundraiser is to help cover both immediate and future expenses, including:

Our goal is simple: a phased approach to remove as much financial pressure as possible so they can focus on healing and getting through what lies ahead.

This is the only platform we’re using to fundraise for Michal. We’ll be monitoring for fraudulent pages. If you prefer to make donations in person, via e-transfer, gift card, or cheque, please contact the organisers James Hamilton, Luke Wagner, Christina Darwin, or Olivier Gervais-Harreman directly.

Thank you for showing up for one of our own. Every bit of support matters more than we can put into words. We’ll keep you updated of their progress.

Feel free to leave kind words of encouragement along with your donation for Michal and Taryn.

With love,

Michal and Taryn’s family and friends.