Support Michael's Home Accessibility Needs

My name is Anne Marshall, and I’ve been a friend of Michael and Valerie Broas for over 25 years. You may know Michael and Valerie from the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, where they graduated in 1999 and taught for over 20 years. You may also know Michael from his peacebuilding community and work in Gainesville. He made several pilgrimages back to Vietnam with John Fisher with CORE Vietnam. He traveled through South Vietnam, working with disabled children, the elderly, and American war veterans to assist in physical and soul-healing work. Some older friends from years ago in Tybee Island, Georgia, may remember his exquisite woodworking and cabinet design business or from their time as owners and managers of The Tybee Marina from 1993 to 1996. Michael had his captain’s license and led families on dolphin tours out of the marina while Valerie managed the restaurant. As many know, Michael and Valerie have always been caring and giving community members.

After a fall and hip surgery a few years ago, Michael has had several more falls. Unfortunately, this has led to more fractures in both his other hip and, recently, his spine. Other medical problems have now developed. He is now coming home from the VA hospital, confined to his bed and wheelchair. This has required Valerie to discontinue almost all of her jobs to be his full-time caregiver. While he does have good medical care as a veteran, many other things are needed to make their home accessible and safe. His limited mobility has made it impossible to use the tub/shower, even with assistance. There needs to be a tub-to-shower conversion for his safety and other changes in the home so he can be moved around the house safely and sit outside, where he loves to watch the birds and wildlife.

Many of you have asked how you can help. We hope to raise the necessary funds for the repairs and renovations to make the home ADA-accessible. Any donations will be appreciated and used exclusively for this purpose. Thank you.