Stroke Recovery Fund for Michael Bedard

It's difficult to ask for help. That said, this call for assistance goes out from Michael Bedard's son and daughter-in-law to Michael's friends, family, collectors and fans of his artwork, book and other media.

Michael is in a bad spot after suffering a traumatic, ischemic stroke in late May. The stroke has left him hospitalized, partially paralyzed, with limited cognitive abilities and requiring round-the-clock care. Unfortunately, this is Michael's surprising, new reality. While we're doing everything within our financial abilities to improve Michael's living situation, further his physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and ensure his day-to-day comfort and nutrition, we've hit a brick wall financially. Please know that the stroke has not taken away Michael's determination to overcome his current medical and financial crisis. His eternal optimism drives his daily physical therapy sessions.

For those who don't know Michael, he was a true force in the airbrush medium during the 70s and 80s before making his mark with his multi-award winning "Sitting Ducks" book for children, his animated TV show of the same name and his Emmy Award winning TV movie, "The Santa Claus Brothers". Some will ask, "Why does a person with these credentials need financial aid?" To explain, Michael has always lived in the moment -- as so many artists do. Living in the moment sometimes means that a person doesn't plan for the future or an unexpected disaster. This is the case for a unique, giving, talented artist. Michael put the final touches on a new painting the day of his stroke, never knowing what was about to happen.

While Michael thought that he would paint and draw forever to earn his living, the stroke has taken away his ability to do so. The looming expenses of extended care are daunting. Michael can no longer live on his own and is due to be moved from his long hospital stay to a permanent care home. Ensuring Michael the greatest degree of rehabilitation and comfort is going to be a long-term and expensive process. With this fundraiser, at a minimum, we hope to have funds to pay for the following:

• Enhanced, long-term physical rehabilitation
• Adaptive art supplies/equipment which will aid in his rehabilitation
• Rent and utility bills that have accumulated since the stroke
• Customized wheelchair
• Healthy food to supplement what is provided by the facility
• Clothing that is optimized for his physical condition
• In-room television
• Moving and storage expenses in order to vacate his art studio and apartment
• Hearing aid
• Unexpected expenses which will not be covered by the long-term care home

As part of the fundraising effort, we will be auctioning existing artwork in the near future. If anyone has an interest in viewing the items before the auctions begin, please let us know. Please know that every cent collected will go toward Michael's care and well-being.

If anyone would like to visit Michael in the hospital, please contact us. Anyone who knows Michael is aware that he is a very social person. He would LOVE visitors!

With Love,

Jen & JP