Our Deepest Gratitude and Mike's Journey – from Carla and Mike

A Heartfelt Thank You

Hello friends, Mike and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous donations during this incredibly challenging time. Your support has meant so much to us, especially the Cullman class of 1980 – you ARE the greatest ain’t no maybe! Aso a special thank-you to my loyal friend Deborah who jumps into action to help us tackle the many issues that arises and makes very good soup!

Mikes Injury and Recovery

Mike suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury at the C4-C6 level of his spine. He underwent emergency surgery to insert rods and decompress. He spent two weeks in UAB’s ICU and hospital before transferring to UAB’s Spain Rehabilitation Hospital, where he has been for the past 31 days. Spain rehab is one of only 18 facilities worldwide that specializes in spinal cord injuries, using sophisticated techniques and equipment designed to wake up the spinal cord and reroute damaged neurological paths.

The Road to Healing

The first 2 weeks in rehab were rough due to medical complications, but Mike has made remarkable progress. At first, he could only weakly move part of his left arm and nothing else. Today, after weeks of grueling 3 to 5 hours of therapy each day, both arms are getting stronger, his fingers are beginning to regain movement, and he has gone from needing 100% support to stand and walk to being able to take a few steps with just the support of a platform walker. Praise God for His gracious healing and the best-of-care doctors and therapists.

Ongoing needs and Appreciation

God is with us, and Mike’s healing to-date has been a miracle but despite these improvements Mike still requires assistance with all daily activities and needs a specialized 400-pound power wheelchair. This requires building a ramp into our house (which is on a steep hill), buying a van that is converted and reinforced to accommodate the wheelchair, making modifications to our home and buying supplies/equipment not covered by insurance. Your support has not only helped us financially but has also provided us with hope emotionally, which is a big need right now. Once again, we thank you and pray that each of you are blessed in the same way you have blessed us!

With much Love,

Carla and Mike