Donation protected
Mike Panico is currently in a rehab center with a broken leg and severe brain trauma. He has complete memory loss of almost everything in his life prior to January 27th, 2017. He has forgotten many elementary brain functions and lost most basic motor skills due to a senseless act of violence. The cruel actions Mike has fallen victim to, led to a tragic and undeserving result. Read below for his story and details
Mike is a father to three outstanding children - Aleah, Michael and Rachel. They are kind, smart and well rounded young people who were raised in a loving home. He is married to Eileen who is as strong as they come and the backbone of her family. She and Mike have been together for thirty years and married for over twenty of them. There has truly never been a moment I've spent with Mike and his family where I wasn't smiling, laughing or simply having a good time. They can always make you feel comfortable and welcome no matter the circumstances. Mike also runs a softball team that I've played on for ten years and the core group of players have become an extended family to me.
After suffering a massive heart attack in December 2015, Mike fought the odds, despite having his heart die on him thirteen times. Mike was brought back each time, but his physical and mental health suffered drastically. He was in a coma for two weeks and there was concern about the permanent damage he may have sustained. The future was uncertain, but he made progress thoughout the year despite many complications. Mike recovered to the point where he was even able to start to work again. He also maintained our softball team, although his physical participation was very limited he still ran the team and was there managing our group every week. Nearly a year after almost losing his life, his team won the 2016 Fall Championship and Mike, who is so dedicated to this team couldn't have been happier


On January 27th, 2017 Mike, along with family and friends celebrated at the awards dinner and had a great night with the team while being presented his trophy. A pleasant night of celebration was quickly put to a halt after a devistating and life changing event took place. While leaving to their cars, a large altercation broke outside between other guests not affiliated with Mike or anyone he knew. Mike was not involved in any way, however he, Eileen and others were caught in the middle of the chaos. While trying to protect his family, Mike was attacked from behind and beaten to the ground by an intoxicated man, who was clearly looking to hurt someone. Hungry for violence and no regard for a stranger's well-being, this man continued to vicously attack Mike (who is a 52 year old with a heart condition), even after he was unconscious, beating his defenseless and idle body. He was left on the parking lot pavement, motionless, bleeding everywhere and non-responsive. The reasons for this assault are incomprehensible and unknown. Mike's 18 year old son broke his wrist trying to save his unconscious father from taking any further abuse. The person responsible for Mike's life changing injuries was identified but fled the scene and is yet to be detained
Mike suffered a broken leg and severe brain trauma. He currently has no memory of his life, including who his family is. He is in a hospital bed with no memory of his wife of over twenty years or his children. He has lost many simple brain functions that we all take for granted every day. He has had to re-learn the simplest of things such as feeding himself, reading, writing and even understanding basic human emotions. He has made progress each day and we are hopeful that he will make a full recovery in time, but it will be a long road ahead
After all they've already been through, Mike's three children suddenly now have to hope everyday, that their father will remember his life experiences with them. His wife, who has been with him for over thirty years, has to explain to him who she is. The many times he treated me to breakfast after a Sunday morning game are now withdrawn from his memory. Eileen, Rachel, Michael and Aleah are being strong for him and are doing everything they can to get Mike well.
Included with the emotional hardships are financial struggles, especially with Mike out of work who was the sole provider for his family. On top of the overwhelming burdens of medical expenses from Mike's heart attack, this incident has capped off what has been by far, the most difficult and trying year for this family. The now additional expenses of getting the treatment Mike needs, physical/occupational therapy, legal expenses as well as the everyday necessities for Eileen and her three kids has made their situation even more devastating. The children, Rachel, Michael and Aleah all work and go to school. They buy their own school supplies, clothing and whatever else they need in their everyday lives. Eileen works as much as she can while also caring for Mike, her children and trying to dig her family out of this unforgiving financial and emotional misfortune. And even now, the Panico's are able to hold on to their positivity, sense of humor and optimism. They are with Mike every day and determined to bring him back to the life and family he loved.
In times like this, where life seems so unforgiving, we can at least restore our faith in humanity and help people like this, who deserve so much better.
Please pray for the Panico family and for Mike's full recovery. All donations, which go directly to the Panico's are welcomed and greatly appreciated
Thank you and God bless





Mike is a father to three outstanding children - Aleah, Michael and Rachel. They are kind, smart and well rounded young people who were raised in a loving home. He is married to Eileen who is as strong as they come and the backbone of her family. She and Mike have been together for thirty years and married for over twenty of them. There has truly never been a moment I've spent with Mike and his family where I wasn't smiling, laughing or simply having a good time. They can always make you feel comfortable and welcome no matter the circumstances. Mike also runs a softball team that I've played on for ten years and the core group of players have become an extended family to me.
After suffering a massive heart attack in December 2015, Mike fought the odds, despite having his heart die on him thirteen times. Mike was brought back each time, but his physical and mental health suffered drastically. He was in a coma for two weeks and there was concern about the permanent damage he may have sustained. The future was uncertain, but he made progress thoughout the year despite many complications. Mike recovered to the point where he was even able to start to work again. He also maintained our softball team, although his physical participation was very limited he still ran the team and was there managing our group every week. Nearly a year after almost losing his life, his team won the 2016 Fall Championship and Mike, who is so dedicated to this team couldn't have been happier
On January 27th, 2017 Mike, along with family and friends celebrated at the awards dinner and had a great night with the team while being presented his trophy. A pleasant night of celebration was quickly put to a halt after a devistating and life changing event took place. While leaving to their cars, a large altercation broke outside between other guests not affiliated with Mike or anyone he knew. Mike was not involved in any way, however he, Eileen and others were caught in the middle of the chaos. While trying to protect his family, Mike was attacked from behind and beaten to the ground by an intoxicated man, who was clearly looking to hurt someone. Hungry for violence and no regard for a stranger's well-being, this man continued to vicously attack Mike (who is a 52 year old with a heart condition), even after he was unconscious, beating his defenseless and idle body. He was left on the parking lot pavement, motionless, bleeding everywhere and non-responsive. The reasons for this assault are incomprehensible and unknown. Mike's 18 year old son broke his wrist trying to save his unconscious father from taking any further abuse. The person responsible for Mike's life changing injuries was identified but fled the scene and is yet to be detained
Mike suffered a broken leg and severe brain trauma. He currently has no memory of his life, including who his family is. He is in a hospital bed with no memory of his wife of over twenty years or his children. He has lost many simple brain functions that we all take for granted every day. He has had to re-learn the simplest of things such as feeding himself, reading, writing and even understanding basic human emotions. He has made progress each day and we are hopeful that he will make a full recovery in time, but it will be a long road ahead
After all they've already been through, Mike's three children suddenly now have to hope everyday, that their father will remember his life experiences with them. His wife, who has been with him for over thirty years, has to explain to him who she is. The many times he treated me to breakfast after a Sunday morning game are now withdrawn from his memory. Eileen, Rachel, Michael and Aleah are being strong for him and are doing everything they can to get Mike well.
Included with the emotional hardships are financial struggles, especially with Mike out of work who was the sole provider for his family. On top of the overwhelming burdens of medical expenses from Mike's heart attack, this incident has capped off what has been by far, the most difficult and trying year for this family. The now additional expenses of getting the treatment Mike needs, physical/occupational therapy, legal expenses as well as the everyday necessities for Eileen and her three kids has made their situation even more devastating. The children, Rachel, Michael and Aleah all work and go to school. They buy their own school supplies, clothing and whatever else they need in their everyday lives. Eileen works as much as she can while also caring for Mike, her children and trying to dig her family out of this unforgiving financial and emotional misfortune. And even now, the Panico's are able to hold on to their positivity, sense of humor and optimism. They are with Mike every day and determined to bring him back to the life and family he loved.
In times like this, where life seems so unforgiving, we can at least restore our faith in humanity and help people like this, who deserve so much better.
Please pray for the Panico family and for Mike's full recovery. All donations, which go directly to the Panico's are welcomed and greatly appreciated
Thank you and God bless
Organizer and beneficiary
Joseph Rombola
Organizer
Selden, NY
Eileen Panico
Beneficiary