Thank you for your interest in supporting my dad’s, Mike Piller’s, recovery and rehabilitation. This campaign aims to raise funds for his rehabilitation and medical expenses as he begins the journey of learning how to walk again. With many seeking ways to assist, we’ve created this fundraiser to ease the overwhelming financial burden so he can focus on healing.

For those unfamiliar with my dad, he is a devoted husband, dedicated parent to three children, and doting grandparent. The support and concern expressed by family and friends since being admitted into the ICU reflect the significant impact he has had on all who know him.

My dad is probably best known for his sense of humor and balanced approach to life, both of which have provided him with resilience during this challenging period.

A notable quality of my dad is his readiness to assist others, whether offering accommodations to family members in need or overseeing neighbors’ houses. He consistently seeks opportunities to provide support in his community through his work with the church or even mowing lawns throughout his neighborhood.

The Unexpected Tragedy

The whole ordeal started while my dad and stepmother, Andrea, had driven themselves and the family dog, Flipper, from their home in Holiday, Florida to Northeast Ohio to visit with friends and family. On August 11, 2025, my dad suddenly began feeling intense pain in his legs and back. Recognizing the urgency, his wife rushed him to the University Hospital Emergency Room within minutes of the onset. As the situation unfolded, we received frequent calls and texts, only to learn that his prognosis was extremely serious.

Doctors soon discovered a severe infection, which originated from an abscess on his lower back that had ruptured and entered his bloodstream. Immediate action was required to locate the source and conduct a biopsy to identify the bacteria responsible. During this period, my dad was kept in the ICU under constant observation, while the medical team administered an initial broad-spectrum antibiotic through an IV.

Suddenly, my dad lost all movement in his legs. He underwent a series of scans and X-rays, which confirmed that paralysis had set in due to swelling near his spinal cord from the infection. He was quickly transferred to UH Main Campus in downtown Cleveland for emergency back surgery. This surgery was particularly challenging as it was the second major procedure in that area within a year; the neurosurgical team had to operate on a recently healed region without aggravating the infected tissue.

Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the surgeon and hospital staff, there was a breakthrough: just nine hours after surgery, he was able to feel sensation in his feet again. While the operation was a success, the reality set in that he would have to relearn how to walk.

With the bacteria identified, the infectious disease doctors began a six-week course of specialized antibiotics, administered twice daily. He was then transferred back to UH Parma, where he is currently undergoing intensive physical therapy. He is learning to adapt to new limitations while working hard to strengthen his body and, ultimately, regain the ability to walk independently.

The Road to Recovery & Rehabilitation Challenge

As previously mentioned, this medical crisis occurred while my dad was visiting Ohio, thousands of miles away from his home in Florida. This distance creates numerous logistical challenges, such as having to equip both locations with specialized medical devices, scheduling sessions with physical therapists, and coordinating transportation for various doctor appointments.

Rehabilitation is not the conclusion of my dad’s ordeal, but rather the beginning of a new chapter filled with obstacles. While his determination remains steadfast, his recovery journey will be lengthy and demanding, requiring the combined efforts of doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists to support his progress.

Currently, my dad is confined to a wheelchair and needs the assistance of at least two people to transfer or move safely. One of the most difficult aspects of his recovery is the uncertainty regarding whether he will fully regain movement in his legs; this could take weeks, months, a year, or possibly never occur. At present, he remains in the rehabilitation center, which he may soon be leaving.

After his discharge from the acute rehab center in Parma, he will reside with my aunt while completing his six-week course of antibiotics. During this period, it is our responsibility to ensure he has a safe and accessible living environment. For now, this means adapting my aunt’s house with the necessary features, such as installing a ramp, since my dad continues to rely on a wheelchair. Additional modifications will be essential to facilitate daily activities that most people take for granted, all of which will require purchasing equipment not covered by insurance.

In addition to the long list of required adaptations—furniture, ramps, and other equipment—my dad’s recovery depends on ongoing physical therapy, which must be paid for out-of-pocket. The minimum number of sessions needed is substantial and essential to his goal of learning to walk again.

Why We Need Your Help

The sudden medical emergency has created significant financial stress for my retired parents, who live on a fixed income. Expenses like gas, food, and possible new housing are quickly adding up, diverting attention from recovery to bills. Medical costs began immediately.

Any donation helps right away as we manage insurance and rely on support from others. We need funds for equipment, home adjustments, therapy, transportation, treatments, care, and emotional support so dad can work toward walking again.

As a family, we are trying to support in every way possible, but unfortunately, we can't do it alone, that is why we are asking friends and family for donations to help ensure dad will be able to receive the best possible care in an environment that gets him back on his feet and walking again.

Even if you cannot donate, we would encourage sharing this campaign within your personal networks and on social media if you felt so inclined.

We cannot express our gratitude for all support given, whether financial or emotional.