Michael here!

I'm facing open heart surgery in the coming weeks, and my surgery team expects a recovery period of approximately 2-3 months before I'm cleared to go back to work full time.

I just started a new job in June and unfortunately have not accrued enough medical leave time to secure my position or any PTO/FMLA during this process. They have strict requirements of meeting a 6 month mandatory probation period and also the leave isn't even approved unless you've been there over 1 year! I may or may not even have a job to go back to once medically cleared to return to work. It's really up to my company and if they have any openings.

I've spent my whole life working — more than 15 years in tech support and payment systems, service in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and most recently in security. Me asking for help doesn't come easily, but during recovery I won't be able to work at all for at least 60 days. This means my wife, Sabrina, will be carrying our household financial obligations on her own while also travels to and from the hospital, parking fees and visiting me while in the hospital for a minimum of 5-7 days.

Once home, I will require a lot of home care and that will require her to be home most of the time to help me during the healing process. Having a 6-8" incision down the middle of my chest is daunting and will make it extremely difficult for me to be self sufficient to complete simple tasks for some time. I'm scared, but I know with her help (she's been there for me before during my congestive heart failure back in 2007) we will get through it together.

We've been together for over 30 years and married for almost 28. Our wedding anniversary this year will be November 14th after my surgery!

Sabrina is the strongest person I know, but no one should have to do all of that alone and worry about basics like rent, utilities, groceries, auto insurance and a car payment and uncovered medical supplies/costs. These bills don't stop while I'm not able to work.

The entire point of my surgery is so I can live another 30 years and grow old with her! She is my life.

If you can't give, sharing helps just as much. Sending this link to one person who might care makes a real difference.

We'll post updates as I recover. However you show up for us — a donation no matter how big or small, a share, a kind word, or keeping us in your thoughts and good vibes/mojo, we'd be grateful. It means more to

us than we can say.

Thank you so much!

— Michael & Sabrina