Support Mike Norgaard's Fight Against Rare Disease

We are reaching out to our friends, families, and communities on behalf of our brother and son, Mike Norgaard.

Mike resembles a Viking – he stands at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches tall and has a dark, bushy beard. But don’t let his size fool you…he is a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He is an incredibly kind, compassionate, and caring human. He is a wicked smart, self-professed nerd and a garage band enthusiast – the master of the bass. He has a quick sense of humor with a smile that lights up his face and tickles his eyes. He is the proud father of two beautiful children, Sophia and Sam. Simply put, Mike is a joy to be around, and we are determined to help him in his recovery so that he can get back to the things that matter most!

Mike fell ill in mid-November with what seemed to be a routine stomach virus. For days, he pushed through the flu-like symptoms, assuming his condition would improve. Unfortunately, his symptoms worsened very quickly, and he was admitted to St. Michael Hospital in Bremerton on November 23rd – just days before his 51st birthday.

Mike was diagnosed with Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), which is an autoimmune disorder/nerve disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own nerves. MFS is extremely rare, affecting just 1-2 people per million each year. MFS primarily affects the cranial nerves, which are responsible for eye movement, facial sensations, and other critical functions. Initially, Mike suffered from severe vertigo-like symptoms and lost the ability to swallow. While there have been some improvements in his vision, he is still unable to swallow, so he is reliant on an aspirator to prevent choking and a feeding tube for nutrition and water. He is also struggling with debilitating muscle weakness from being bedridden for the last month.

There is no cure for Miller Fisher syndrome, but the prognosis is favorable with the right care and treatments. Thankfully, Mike has been well cared for by the PCU team at St. Michael, and he is preparing to transfer to an inpatient rehabilitation facility where he will stay until he is physically strong enough to return to normal daily activities.

Mike's road to recovery is going to be challenging. This is just the beginning of his journey, and we anticipate it may be months before Mike is able to return to work. We have created this fundraiser to provide both financial and emotional support to Mike and his children so that he can simply focus on what matters most during his recovery! We hope you’ll consider sharing our story with your friends and family. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help ease some of Mike's financial burdens while he recovers.

We appreciate you taking the time to read this. Your thoughts, love, and support mean the world to Mike and his family!