I'm starting this fundraiser on behalf of my brother, Sam Magrum. He's 42 years old and a self-employed Lawn Care and Snow Removal specialist, and his partner of nearly 20 years, Kellie, who is a Breast Cancer survivor.

Last year, Sam had to take on extra work to pay for his home, which he'd previously been purchasing via Land Contract until the owner passed away and her children insisted the remaining balance of $35,000 be paid immediately and in full, thus draining all of their savings.

Shortly after the 1st of this year, while clearing snow for his clients, Sam suffered what turned out to be a very serious neck injury. While attempting to make a doctor's appointment, he learned that his insurance had been canceled because he made $160 too much the previous year. Due to a quirk in Michigan's health insurance laws, Sam is unable to purchase a new insurance policy until the issue is resolved, which could take 6 months or longer. This is much more time than he can afford.

He is now facing a necessary fusion at his C5-C6 and disc dissection at his C6-C7 vertebrae. Mercy Health System is the only medical center in Michigan that is willing to work with patients with financial difficulties. Their initial estimate of the cost of the surgery alone is $66,000.

Given his current condition, Sam is unable to perform all the work his business clients require and has limited help available to do his job.

Any donation, large or small, would go a long way to helping Sam with his medical bills as well as his daily living expenses until he can heal and get back to work. Thank you all from the bottom of the hearts of everyone in the Magrum family.