Main fundraiser photo

Emergency Surgery needed

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I was crushed by a Mac dump truck while working in the mountains of Panama over 6 years ago and complications from that accident have put me in need of a critical and iminate life-saving surgery. I broke 27 bones including, many of my ribs, which punctured both lungs. I fractured 8 vertebrae, and my pelvis was broken 12 times, including breaking my sacrum in three spots. I also lacerated 7 organs, lost my spleen, and in an impact so fierce, broke 3 teeth inhaling them all. I died 3 times that day in November; I was dead the first time  for 4 minutes and 29 seconds leading to a 23-day drug induced coma. How I made it past that point is miraculous.

Coming out of a coma, I was rushed into the operating room several times in order to repair my lower back and hips. After months in the hospital, and contracting spinal meningitis two times, I moved back to San Diego. During this time, with the help of my family and friends, I continued to recover step by step, which was both physically and mentally difficult, including having to learn to walk for a second time in my life. Feeling mostly rehabilitated, I moved back to Panama, pursuing many exciting opportunities, but sadly my injuries were too much and I needed to give up that dream and move home to the USA.

I was hopeful that with a little down time I would quickly be able to return to my long time career in construction management.  However, I am now having life threatening complications from the accident. Currently I am in need of an immediate, and extensive surgery called an abdominal wall reconstruction, and it is not optional. Essentially, I have a large hole in my left side, and the hernia mesh that was previously put in place in Panama has failed. As a result, my organs and intestines are protruding through my abdominal wall. The total medical bills are estimated to exceed $350,000.00. Thankfully, I am well insured and will be mostly covered. My financial need is for assistance with the insurance deductibles and living expenses after the surgery.                                      
                                 
The singular reason I need this temporary financial aid is that prior to the bad health news, my bank account was hacked, and my funds were stolen leaving me essentially flat broke a few days before Christmas. Friends and family have pitched in to cover very basic needs, but I will need conservatively at least another $7500 to pay insurance deductibles as well as to survive the recovery period. The bank, while sympathetic, has indicated that because of the huge amount of bank fraud, they can’t give me an exact date that I can expect a refund, while the surgery I need is immediately urgent.

On a positive note, my work experience and skills in the construction industry are in high demand. As of now, I have two well paying job offers, and I am praying that I can get healthy and return to work as soon as physically possible.

I am truly humbled and eternally grateful for you taking the time to read my story— I am thankful beyond what words can describe, it deeply touches my heart to know people care. If you are unable to assist financially, we would greatly appreciate your prayers and the sharing of this story.
    
Mike
Donate

Donations 

  • Joan Linden
    • $300 
    • 6 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Mike Swelland
Organizer
Anahola, HI

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.