Mike Cummings TBI Recovery

Hello, friends. As you know, Mike suffered an accidental gunshot wound to the head on February 22, 2023. He was not expected to survive the first night, but he defied the odds and began to improve. That was the first of many times he exceeded the expectations of his doctors, leading to his earning the nickname, “Miracle Mike”.

Mike has experienced a great deal of pain and suffering in the past six months, including numerous surgeries to his jaw and skull, a serious infection, and a pressure wound that is still healing. He endured it all like a champ (if you know Mike personally, that won’t be a surprise to hear). He spent over three months in Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, followed by another two-and-a-half months at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he received intense daily therapies. Mike worked diligently every day, and he and his family formed a close bond with his doctors, nurses, and therapists.

On August 15, 2023, Mike’s family was overjoyed to welcome him home. His parents, Rick and Julie, are his caregivers 24-7, and they are doing an incredible job.

Mike may be home, but his recovery journey is just beginning. His family is quickly discovering just how many expenses his insurance does not cover – like van transport to and from doctor’s appointments ($120 per trip), a waterproof shower wheelchair ($600), hydraulic Hoyer lift for transporting in the car ($1,500), nutrition for tube feedings ($120 per week)…not to mention the out of pocket costs once Mike’s covered PT, OT, and speech therapy sessions are exhausted. Perhaps the biggest shock so far is the cost of the medical transport to and from the rehabilitation center in Atlanta - at $6,500 each way – has been denied by Mike’s insurance company.

We want Mike to get as much recovery as possible and not be limited for financial reasons. Any support you may be able to give will help provide the therapies and adaptive equipment he needs to regain his independence.

Most of all, Mike still needs your prayers for strength and healing. His parents need them, too.

Thank you all for caring!