HelpUsSaveMikey
Donation protected
Mikey taken by the police
MIKEY’S STORY
Since infancy, Mikey was abused and neglected. He was victimized while living with his mother and repeatedly subjected to criminal activity, trauma, and violence. Police reports, court documents, and medical records show that Mikey had been burned, beaten, thrown, and tied up so tightly he had rope burns. Close to twelve complaints had been relayed to DCFS concerning his care, many of which were filed by medical professionals. Specifically, the Pediatric Center Resource Center for Child Abuse and Neglect (PRC) in Peoria, Illinois examined Mikey and documented multiple injuries incurred while under the care of his mother, including: severe bruising, blunt force trauma, human bite marks, black eyes, anal bleeding and tear, forehead bruising, rope burns, burned fingers, sores, misplaced hips, and excessive dental problems.
Concerned for his son’s safety, Mikey’s father began pursuing full custody. During this period, visitation appointments with his son became a time to provide Mikey medical care, nutritious food, and proper hygiene in addition to lots of love and nurturing. Finally, after a police raid of his mother’s home, Mikey was removed on an emergency order when it was discovered the child was living in an active meth lab. In addition to the use and manufacturing of methamphetamines, authorities found marijuana, six types of ammunition, and dirty syringes left all around the home.
Research shows the dangerous and potentially life-altering effects a home-based methamphetamine lab has on children. Exposure to neglect, abuse, violence, psychoactive stimulants and lethal chemicals can damage a child in ways that may not surface for years. Fortunately for Mikey, he was given a second chance that day in March 2016. Mikey’s father was granted full custody after an Illinois judge found the mother unfit. He then relocated to Massachusetts with Mikey where the 4 year old child has since been living in a loving, structured and supportive environment with access to leading medical treatments offered in the Boston area.
In addition to a pediatrician, asthma specialist, and pediatric dentist, Mikey’s father found both a psychologist who specializes in children that are physically and/or sexually abused and a non-group play therapist who treats children with traumatic pasts. Thanks to these specialists and the specific care they provide, Mikey is thriving as a vibrant, fun loving and adventurous boy who loves Spiderman, being silly with friends, and sharing quality time with his Dad and Grammie.
WE WANT YOUR HELP
With legal fees on a continual rise due to an ongoing court battle to keep the child safely in his custody, we decided to create this Go Fund Me page to help Michael focus on solely on his son's care and the fight to keep him safe, not on overwhelming medical costs. While Mikey is covered by his father’s insurance, not all specialty services are; thus, resulting in approximately $3,000 per month in out-of-pocket expenses. Without this treatment, Mikey would have had significant difficulty processing his experiences and developing coping skills for trauma and anxiety. It would also have hindered Mikey’s social development and impede his ability to trust and connect with others. Undoubtedly, this treatment is crucial to his son’s recovery and we want to help alleviate some of that cost if possible. Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover a full year of this specialized care. All funds raised will go exclusively to Mikey's therapeutic needs.
THANK YOU
Throughout this ordeal people have come together to help Mikey. We are so thankful for all the love and incredible support we have been receiving and appreciate anything you can do to help us meet this goal by donating and/or sharing this page.
For more information about Mikey and his story, please watch the attached video or visit us at:
Help Us Save Mikey on Facebook
MIKEY’S STORY
Since infancy, Mikey was abused and neglected. He was victimized while living with his mother and repeatedly subjected to criminal activity, trauma, and violence. Police reports, court documents, and medical records show that Mikey had been burned, beaten, thrown, and tied up so tightly he had rope burns. Close to twelve complaints had been relayed to DCFS concerning his care, many of which were filed by medical professionals. Specifically, the Pediatric Center Resource Center for Child Abuse and Neglect (PRC) in Peoria, Illinois examined Mikey and documented multiple injuries incurred while under the care of his mother, including: severe bruising, blunt force trauma, human bite marks, black eyes, anal bleeding and tear, forehead bruising, rope burns, burned fingers, sores, misplaced hips, and excessive dental problems.
Concerned for his son’s safety, Mikey’s father began pursuing full custody. During this period, visitation appointments with his son became a time to provide Mikey medical care, nutritious food, and proper hygiene in addition to lots of love and nurturing. Finally, after a police raid of his mother’s home, Mikey was removed on an emergency order when it was discovered the child was living in an active meth lab. In addition to the use and manufacturing of methamphetamines, authorities found marijuana, six types of ammunition, and dirty syringes left all around the home.
Research shows the dangerous and potentially life-altering effects a home-based methamphetamine lab has on children. Exposure to neglect, abuse, violence, psychoactive stimulants and lethal chemicals can damage a child in ways that may not surface for years. Fortunately for Mikey, he was given a second chance that day in March 2016. Mikey’s father was granted full custody after an Illinois judge found the mother unfit. He then relocated to Massachusetts with Mikey where the 4 year old child has since been living in a loving, structured and supportive environment with access to leading medical treatments offered in the Boston area.
In addition to a pediatrician, asthma specialist, and pediatric dentist, Mikey’s father found both a psychologist who specializes in children that are physically and/or sexually abused and a non-group play therapist who treats children with traumatic pasts. Thanks to these specialists and the specific care they provide, Mikey is thriving as a vibrant, fun loving and adventurous boy who loves Spiderman, being silly with friends, and sharing quality time with his Dad and Grammie.
WE WANT YOUR HELP
With legal fees on a continual rise due to an ongoing court battle to keep the child safely in his custody, we decided to create this Go Fund Me page to help Michael focus on solely on his son's care and the fight to keep him safe, not on overwhelming medical costs. While Mikey is covered by his father’s insurance, not all specialty services are; thus, resulting in approximately $3,000 per month in out-of-pocket expenses. Without this treatment, Mikey would have had significant difficulty processing his experiences and developing coping skills for trauma and anxiety. It would also have hindered Mikey’s social development and impede his ability to trust and connect with others. Undoubtedly, this treatment is crucial to his son’s recovery and we want to help alleviate some of that cost if possible. Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover a full year of this specialized care. All funds raised will go exclusively to Mikey's therapeutic needs.
THANK YOU
Throughout this ordeal people have come together to help Mikey. We are so thankful for all the love and incredible support we have been receiving and appreciate anything you can do to help us meet this goal by donating and/or sharing this page.
For more information about Mikey and his story, please watch the attached video or visit us at:
Help Us Save Mikey on Facebook
Organizer and beneficiary
Michael Cadena
Organizer
Weymouth, MA
Barbara McDougall
Beneficiary
