Do you remember the first time you heard "Wagon Wheel"? Do you remember who taught you to recite "the world is charged by the grandeur of God?" Do you remember who wrote your college recommendation and assisted with the college essay process? Do you remember who gave you Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids candy every Friday?

After years of grappling with unexplained health issues, Michael finally has a diagnosis: cardiac amyloidosis, a serious and progressive disease affecting the heart. While there is no cure, a medication exists that can significantly extend his life—though it comes with an astronomical cost of $225,000 per year. His insurance has recently and temporarily approved it, but years of medical bills have accumulated. Additionally, he has been spending time at the Duke bone center due to a potential diagnosis of multiple myeloma and has had a decade long struggle with unexplained neuropathy. It's been tough for him, to say the least.

These issues have also taken away something central to who he is: his ability to teach full time. For over two decades, Michael was a beloved teacher at Cardinal Gibbons High School, where he made an indelible mark on generations of students. He started the school’s Coffee House, won the prestigious Daly Award, and supported his students in every possible way. He is the kind of teacher, mentor, and human being we all hope to encounter in our lives.

I'm reaching out because the person who has always found the right words for others now needs our help—our words, actions, and support. My name is Bill, and I'm fundraising for my friend, Michael Friedman.

Michael is one of the finest people I know, and I don't say this lightly. The irony of writing this is not lost on me. If this were for someone else, Michael would have been the first person I'd turn to for help. He's a brilliant writer, poet, and songwriter—someone who always seems to know what to say. But here I am, doing my best to speak on his behalf.

If you know Michael, I don’t need to say much more. His legacy speaks for itself. If he’s ever taught you, helped you, inspired you, or simply brightened your day, I’m asking you now to give something back.

Even if you're not in a position to contribute financially, please reach out to him. A text, an email, a phone call—it all matters.

Thank you for reading, and thank you—deeply—for anything you can do to support my friend. And please remember, Enjoy every sandwich.

https://youtu.be/BVgoi2wCr6I?si=9BMApZlEBmJESsWa