Michael's Long Road to Recovery

On April 17th, 2023 at 2pm in the afternoon my wife Karen and I lived through a nightmare that no parent should ever have to experience. While crossing the road on his bike at the crosswalk on First Coast Highway near Harris Teeter on Amelia Island, we witnessed our 13-year-old son Michael be struck by a car and thrown 36ft face down on pavement. The initial news article which was written before Michael’s injuries were fully known can be read here:

https://www.news4jax.com/traffic/2023/04/18/driver-charged-after-seriously-injuring-13-year-old-bicyclist-in-nassau-county-fhp-says/

The severity of the impact could have killed Michael, and as my wife and I ran to his side we were both preparing for the worst. With the blessings of God, the help of everyone who witnessed the accident, the emergency personnel, and the helicopter that flew him to Jacksonville, Michael survived the crash and his long road to recovery had just begun. In the blink of an eye what we thought was going to be a quick four-day vacation to visit a friend, is now going to be an extensive stay in Jacksonville, a long way from our Massachusetts home.

Michael’s injuries are extensive and the amount of time that we will need to stay in the area is unknown. The first few days at the hospital have been filled with more tests than we can remember and each one seems to uncover another injury that needs attention. As of right now, we know that Michael’s list of injuries includes a severe break to the tibia/fibia of his right leg, a broken nose, a broken clavicle (in 2 places), a concussion, a contusion on his right lung, a meniscus tear in his left knee requiring surgery, and multiple lacerations on his face, hands, elbows, sides, feet and lower back. As I write this one of the doctors is also looking into a possible fracture of his left foot. On a positive note, Michael was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, without one his injuries would have been much worse.

Many people who have been made aware of the accident have asked how they can help. Although Karen and I have health insurance, there are going to be many expenses both planned for and unexpected in the coming year as a result of this accident. As a suggestion by a concerned resident of Amelia Island, we decided to start a GoFundMe page. All donations will go directly to medical costs, recovery costs, and Michael’s college fund. Michael and I are also discussing starting a charity called Michael’s Miracle Bike Helmet Charity. If the funds that are donated exceed our expectations our hope is we can give back by starting this charity that will positively impact the safety of kids on the island and beyond by supplying safety gear that played a role in saving Michael’s life.

Every day has brought new challenges in terms of recovery, but the strength, resilience, and humor that Michael has consistently kept at the forefront has been amazing. His appreciation of everyone’s kindness and concern has grown a drive in him to get better and give back. We can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate the prayers of friends and family, and the love and support this island has given us. We hope one day to enjoy all that Amelia Island has to offer under much better circumstances.

Thank you and God Bless,

Michael's Parents