Michael Beard has been a pilar to the Calhoun County community for 45 years. Many have met him during unfortunate circumstances while performing his duties serving with Calhoun County Emergency Medical Services for 45 years. Chances are, he has directly affected you or your loved ones’ lives in an emergency situation.

Today, Michael needs your help. In November of 2024, Michael visited his primary care doctor for an unrelated cause and was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his left upper lobe of his lung. He has undergone chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments to shrink the tumor. He will be undergoing a Lobectomy within the next few weeks.

As we all know, a cancer diagnoses comes with many added astronomical financial expenses, such as hotel stays, food, co-pays and so much more. We are asking the community to help ease this financial burden so that Michael will be ready to play Santa Claus again this year for Christmas.

Michael, along with his wife Linda, OLG Director of Religious Education, have given to the community in numerous ways for decades. He is very involved with Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, serving as a eucharistic minister, catechism teacher, and as a medic at many church functions while participating in numerous church functions.

Perhaps, most of all, Michael is well-known for his love of playing Santa Claus at numerous events throughout Calhoun County, schools, and other functions. He will often whip out his phone and check his naughty/nice list for adults and children. He has spent years growing his white signature beard to provide a sense of joy to children and adults for many years. Throughout this journey, his biggest disappointment is losing his natural white beard. Youngsters will often ask him if he is the real Santa Claus throughout the year, even when he is not dressed in his infamous red suit or not. Michael has never charged for his services. In his words, “Santa does not charge.”