Mikey's sister Michelle here, reaching out! Here we go...

Mikey was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when he was in Junior High. He's had his ups and downs, but the disease was never something that defined him or controlled his life. That all changed the night of Sunday, December 11th, 2016. After being in a lot of pain for several weeks, things became unbearable, and my mom took Mikey to the Emergency Room at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, IL. He was admitted, and that was only the start of all to come. 

Blood clots, blood transfusions, intestine blockages, vomiting, C. Diff - you name it, Mikey experienced it.

Blood work, colonoscopies, endoscopies, ultra sounds - every test you can think of, he had it done.

Mom's birthday, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, Dad's birthday - Mikey has been in the hospital for it all. 

January 13 - surgery #1 - laparoscopic attempt to remove part of the colon/large intestine, terminal ileum, and reconnect it all
January 24 - surgery #2 - exploratory and fluid removal
January 31 - transfer to University of Chicago Center for Care and Discovery
February 9 - surgery #3 - redo and fix surgery #1, untwist some intestines, addition of ileostomy bag 
February 22 - transfer to the Rehabilitation of Chicago
March 4 - Released!!

83 days. Almost 12 weeks. To say it has been a long road for Mikey would be an understatement. Obviously, in this time, medical bills have been piling up as well as payments to the insurance company. Mikey hasn't been able to work, and he won't be able to for some time. My family has never been one to ask others for help, so this may be a first for us. Any amount counts, even if the goal can't be reached. I will be controlling the fund for Mikey and seeing that all of his bills get paid.

My family is beyond grateful for all the support that has been shown through this time. It means the world to us to see how many people love and care about my brother. Thank you!! <3

Michelle