Mike May, a lifelong resident of Westervelt and Shelbyville, was recently diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. Transverse Myelitis is a rare neurological condition that causes inflammation along the spinal cord. It interrupts the messages the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body. In Mike’s case, this caused a major decrease in the use of his legs and left him paralyzed from the waist down in June 2024. Since that time, Mike has spent approximately 50 days at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Bloomington, IL undergoing plasmapheresis treatments and was then transferred to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, IL for intensive occupational and physical therapies. Mike is now home but continues to have very minimal movement and feeling in his legs, causing him to be wheelchair bound.

The money raised will help him to become more independent in his home by making his home more handicap accessible (handicapped bathroom, widening doorways, etc.). It will also aid in any medical bills/supplies/equipment needed now or in the future. Mike and his family are very grateful for all of your prayers and support.

An account has also been set up at the Shelby County State Bank. If you would like to donate in that way, checks should be made out to “Michael May Benefit Account” and can be mailed to Shelby County State Bank, 130 S. Morgan Street, Shelbyville, IL 62565 or dropped off at any Shelby County State Bank location.