<div>Hello friends,
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<div>On September 6, 2020, our dear friend, Michael Rafferty, suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.   He has undergone three brain surgeries in the past year and feels lucky to be alive.  This traumatic event left the entire right side of Michael's body paralyzed. The massive stroke also left Micheal with the heartbreaking condition of Aphasia. Aphasia is the loss of the ability to understand or express speech caused by brain damage.
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<div>As everyone knows, Michael was always known for his quick wit and ability to turn a phrase. Unfortunately, Aphasia has robbed this from him and has been devastating for him and his loved ones. Imagine not being able to understand what your loved ones are saying. Or, when you do understand, you cannot respond because you are unable to find the words. This is what Mike and his family are dealing with every day. Insurance has stopped paying for both Mike's physical and speech therapy. All therapy is now paid for by Mike and his wife Lindsay using the money they receive from disability, which is 40% of Mike's usual paycheck.
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<div>We are hoping to raise money to get Mike the therapy and treatment he so desperately needs. Mike is working hard daily to regain his speech, but the progress has been slow. All the money raised will go to help Mike with his fight to regain some normalcy in life.
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<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59767457_1634584517538419_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
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<div>We are asking for your help.
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<div>Unfortunately, Michael is no longer able to enjoy many of the things he loves most in life. As many of you know, one of Mike's passions was music. He loved to play guitar and used his talents in his classroom to help teach his students through song. His creativity and love of music were contagious, and he used his gifts to inspire and connect with his students. With physical therapy, we hope Mike can regain the use of his right hand to allow him to create music again.
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<div>Michael's wife, Lindsay, has been with Mike every step of the way, making sure Mike gets the best treatment and care possible. But, unfortunately, they are exhausting their savings and need our help to get Mike the care he deserves.
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<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59767457_1634584564222612_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
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<div>Mike and Lindsay have two children that have also been affected by the circumstances of the past year. His youngest, Mya, is now a freshman in college and has a challenging time being away from her dad during this time. His eldest, Jake, is a junior in college and cannot help his mom as much as he did this past summer. Lindsay is being strong, but she needs our support.
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<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59767457_1634584475461537_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
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<div>We are asking for your help. Please help us give Mike a chance to regain some normalcy in life. We hope that with both physical and speech therapy, Mike can regain some control of his life. But, unfortunately, these therapies are not covered by insurance, so we need to provide financial assistance for Mike and his family.
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<div>Thank you in advance for all your love and support. Together we can make a difference for our dear friend Mike. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how you can help, please reach out.
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<div>Let's give Mike the same love and support he has given each of us over the years. Let's flood him with overwhelming support, so he and Lindsay know that they are not alone.
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<div>Please share this link with all your friends and family so they can help us in this fight.
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<div>Go Team Mike Rafferty and Phriends!
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Anonymous

Jennifer Zito

Rachel Thornberry

Melissa Gierach

colette sommerfeld

Caroline Harsh

Justyna Tylka

Elzbieta Tylka

Michael Mazza

Marjie Kremer

Lauren Riskus

Jack Glod

Tracy Sukalo

Liz Spooner

lourdes suero

esteban lagroue

Donna Holt

Jennifer Stefl

Let's Fight for Mike!  We need your help.

Let's Fight for Mike! We need your help.

Still $7,323 to go. Help us build momentum.