Mike Duarte's Medical

Mike Duarte, our friend, family member and colleague, has touched so many with his quiet strength, behind the scenes service, and love for his family and friends. This Gofundme is being created by the friends of the Duarte family because so many of you have asked, "How can I help?" This is a very tangible way to do just that by providing support for Mike's extensive and long-term medical costs, as well as present day and practical needs for Jill and their family who are traveling to and from medical facilities on a regular basis. Jill is so very grateful for your love and support. Truly, your biggest contribution to their family during this very challenging time in their lives has been your continued prayer for strength, endurance, and healing.

Mike is a 56-year-old husband, father, son, child of God, web-designer and app developer, and loyal friend to so many. He loves to spend time with her cherished family (Jill, his wife of almost 30 years, Abe (26), Sydney(22), Cecelia(20), and Megan(17). Mike has a great passion for basketball and, having launched and managed the Saddleback Valley Basketball league for over 10 years, is often seen on the courts, enjoying a game on TV, or coordinating a local fundraiser to bring communities together through basketball. Mike is also known to enjoy a good poker game on Saturday nights with some of his lifetime friends. Mike is witty, selfless in his acts of service to others, and is very driven. He is a strong guy who accomplishes everything he sets his mind to!

As many of you know, on May 21st, the Duarte family's world changed in an instant when Mike suffered a massive stroke. Your immediate prayers sustained Mike and the Duarte family during this time of uncertainty. Mike's significant brain bleed required immediate neurosurgery and hospitalization in the ICU at Saddleback Hospital for almost 4 weeks. At the time of his admission to the ICU, Mike's prognosis was grave. In addition to the stroke, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and pneumonia. During his stay in the ICU, he underwent numerous emergency medical procedures to release pressure in his brain, assist with breathing through a ventilator and then a tracheotomy, assist with administering medication directly to his heart through the installation of a pic line, and assist with helping nutrition directly to his stomach through a gastric feeding tube. To the amazement of his doctors and nurses, Mike quickly and positively responded to the medical treatments he received and to visits from his family. Within just days of being in the ICU, his doctors claimed he would not only survive, but with time and therapy, he would likely recover from his stroke. Jill and their entire family know that Mike's life is truly a miracle and want to thank each of you for your immediate and unwavering prayers in response to each prayer request that went out. With each call for prayer, hundreds of you petitioned God to meet the needs of Mike, the Duarte family , and Mike's medical team. We firmly believe your prayers have made a huge difference in Mike's outcome.

Mike has begun his journey of slow but steady improvement. Each day is a small, baby-st3ep toward recovery. While Mike was in the ICU, even though he was not fully awake, he was able to connect with his family by squeezing their hand, and once, while they sang and played the guitar for him, he shed a joyful tear. Repeatedly, at the end of their family visits, as they said goodbye, Mike would raise his hand, wave, and then flash a peace sign. This brought the family so much joy as thiswas his usual way of saying "bye, see you soon."

Recently, Mike was moved from the ICU at Saddleback Hospital to the Acute Care Facility at Kindred Medical Center in Santa Ana. Mis is continuing to improve slowly and steadily. The doctors have let the family know that recovery for Mike is a marathon and not a sprint. Mike's road to recovery may take months or even years. While Mike is making slow and steady progress in demands to movement and strength, he still suffers from paralysis and weakness on his left side. As Mike continues to awaken, become more alert, and gain more strength, he will begin physical, speech and cognitive therapy to assist him in his recovery.

In addition to Mike's traumatic event, the Duarte family also recently moved to a new home. This was a decision that was already put into motion prior to Mike's stroke. Again, with much appreciated help from friends and family, Jill and the kids moved into their new home a couple weeks ago. Needless to say, the past month has been highly stressful busy time for them as they have juggled a very different daily life filled with medical decisions and caring for Mike, along with packing, moving, unpacking, and taking care of each other best as they can. Through this time, the Duarte family was sustained by the prayers and support from their family, friends, and church family. They are overwhelmed with gratitude for all the support they have received, and they wish to thank each one of you for the generous ways you have given to them. Please continue to pray for Mike's recovery and for his family as they navigate this road of uncertainty that is paved with so much physical, emotional, spiritual, medical and financial need. Thank you for your love and care.